The Desk of A Countess - Finest Quality Regency Roll Top Desk c. 1822

This is the finest quality English cabinet work. The use of mahogany, rosewood and brass inlays to this standard is extremely rare and is of exhibition standard. The desk has clearly been treated with 'kid gloves' for the last two hundred years as the condition is pristine. It is highly probable that the maker can be identified with some research.

The desk was made for the Countess Dowager Grey, who was born in 1744. A brass plaque is inset in the writing tablet and is engraved 'Countess Dowr' Grey 26 May 1822'. The desk has fine brass inlays to the curved rolled top, the corners with heart shapes and circlets. The beautiful gilded brass handles to the top are in the form of scrolled leaves and there is an intricately embossed gilded brass border. The two drawers retaining original brass handles and inlaid with brass and ebony, the side panels ebony banded and the elaborate brass gallery to the top original also.

In truly immaculate original condition, the desk remained in Countess Grey's family for almost 150 years, descending through the female line to the eldest daughter of each generation. Each owner is recorded on a hand written note until no further daughters were born to any branch of the family after the 1930s and the desk was sold in 1953 through Asprey & Co., of London (like Harrods, Aspreys retailed only the finest quality pieces). For a more detailed provenance please see the details below 'Dimensions' below.

The desk was purchased from Aspreys for £275 - a fortune then and more than the average annual wage - another indicator of the exemplary quality of the piece. It remained in the same family from 1953 until acquired by Webberley.

The desk retains its original pair of silver topped inkwells and original green leather skiver. The writing slope cam be raised on a mahogany stand.

Very heavy and robust, the top rolls back whisper smooth, perfectly balanced yet weighty, the tiny drawers all orignal and dressed in fine veneers of purple heart - an exotic and rare timber.

This is a magnificent, museum quality, Regency desk by a fine Georgian cabinet maker.