18th-century George III Period Mahogany Carlton House Desk

Very Fine George III Sheraton Period Mahogany Carlton House Writing Table, circa 1790

A magnificent and historically important Carlton House writing table, made in England circa 1790. Of impressive scale and exceptional quality throughout, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most celebrated forms of Georgian cabinetmaking in superb original condition.

The curved, tiered superstructure is crowned with a pierced brass gallery and fitted with a cluster of small drawers and curved doors. Below, the writing surface is inlaid with golden-brown tooled leather, and the frieze features one long and two short drawers. In total, the desk has eleven oak-lined drawers, each retaining its original carved brass swan-neck handles. All the locks are in working order, and the original key is included.

The entire piece is veneered in the finest figured mahogany, with satinwood crossbanding on the drawers. Even the back is finished to the highest standard, with magnificent fielded mahogany panels, so the desk can be placed in the center of a room as well as against a wall. It stands on elegant square, tapering legs, topped with brass caps and their original brass box casters.

The mahogany has a rich, warm color and a deep, untouched patina that only two centuries of careful ownership can produce, beautifully set off by the leather top.

The design takes its name from Carlton House, the palatial London residence of the Prince Regent, later George IV. The Prince was famous for his taste in both French furniture and the finest English cabinetmaking, and the desk became closely associated with his household. It remains one of the most elegant and desirable designs of the Georgian period.

An ideal piece for a study, library, or any refined interior, and one that will be a talking point for generations to come