S/479 Early Victorian Burr Walnut Piano Top Davenport

Stamped on all four drawers:- B. Taylor & Sons, Great Dover Street, London

The domed top rising section has fret carved galleries, which reveal twelve sycamore compartments for stationary. The piano front opens to reveal two mahogany drawers with small finely turned knob handles. The right side one housing the catch, which releases the rising section. The writing surface slides forward, retaining its original green hide and gilded border, which can be raised and adjusted for use as a reading rest, having a removable dipped pen tray and two brass topped glass ink pots to the right hand side. The front is between two well turned and carved supports with four solid mahogany lined flush fitting drawers to the right side all fitted with wood knob handles and brass lock and key.

This Davenport is a fine example of the period with a polished panelled back, being raised on turned squat bun feet with original brass castors. The whole is of a lovely faded colour, in pristine condition and with original patination throughout.
(Two ink pots replaced)

Benjamin Taylor & Sons are recorded in the Dictionary English Furniture Makers, living in various addresses at King William's Street and Dover Street. Working at 167, Great Dover Street till 1873, during which period this Davenport was made. They were Cabinet Makers, Upholsterers, Chair-makers and Undertakers and took out Sun Insurance Policies on 23rd December 1820 for their premises.

Sold 22 in. (56 cm.) Wide
22¼ in. (56.5 cm.) Deep
43½ in. (110.5 cm.) to top of gallery (open) High
36 in. (91.5 cm.) High Closed
English Circa 1860