Regency Mahogany Writing Desk

Date: Circa Circa 1820

Medium: Mahogany, Ebony, Brass

Dimensions

Height: 78.00cm (30.71 inches)

Depth: 71.00cm (27.95 inches)

Main description

This Regency mahogany writing desk in the manner of Gillows dates to circa 1820 and is detailed throughout with ebonised mouldings, solid ebony knobs and ring turned ebonised legs.

The rectangular writing surface has recently been re-lined in antique black leather, finished with embossed broken gilt tooling and blind tooled edging. The surface is divided into three leathered sections by two mahogany veneered strips and framed with long grain mahogany cross banding above a triple reeded edge.

The figured mahogany frieze is fitted with three drawers to the front, retaining their original solid ring turned ebony knobs. The drawers have mahogany linings with finely cut dovetails and are fitted with contemporary twentieth century locks and gilt brass escutcheons. The flamed mahogany drawer fronts are finished with ebonised reeded cock beading, while recessed mahogany panels define each corner above an ebonised triple reeded moulding.

The desk is designed to stand freely within a room and is raised on ebonised ring turned, tapered and reeded legs. Each terminates in a double ring turned toe fitted with the original gilt brass caps and castors.

Measurements from the underside to the floor is 61cm High (24 Inches), no keys present for the table.

View the complete Freshfords Table collection.

What is Mahogany?

Mahogany is one of the most important and widely used hardwoods in the history of antique furniture. Celebrated for its strength, stability and rich colouring, it became the defining cabinet making timber of the Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods, appearing in everything from dining tables and bookcases to chests of drawers and library furniture.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Mahogany.

What is Ebony? 

Ebony is a dense, heavy tropical hardwood native to regions of Africa and Asia, prized for its deep, uniform black colouring and exceptionally fine, smooth texture. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, ebony was used by cabinet makers for fine furniture, decorative inlays, veneers, and small ornamental objects where striking contrast and durability were essential. Although rare and historically costly, its profound dark appearance and ability to take a high polish made it a prestigious timber among leading furniture makers.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Ebony.

What is the Regency Period?

The Regency period (1811-1820) formed the closing years of the Georgian era and was defined by refined classical design inspired by ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. Furniture from the period often features bold veneers, clean architectural lines and restrained decorative details in brass, ebony and gilt bronze.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on the Georgian Period.

Why Buy From Freshfords Antiques?

Established in 1987, Freshfords Antiques has spent nearly four decades sourcing and curating the finest examples of English antique furniture. Our reputation is built upon a deep-rooted specialism in the Georgian and Regency periods, where we focus on selecting pieces that retain their genuine age, original patination, and unimpeachable authenticity. We believe that an antique should not only be a significant historical object but also a functional and beautiful addition to a contemporary home.

As proud members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), we operate under a rigorously enforced code of conduct that prioritises professional integrity and expertise. Membership of BADA is only granted after a thorough election procedure and is subject to annual review, ensuring that our clients can purchase with complete confidence. When you acquire a piece from Freshfords, you are benefiting from a wealth of experience, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the finest English cabinet making.