Library Table By Ross

A walnut campaign Library Table or Desk by Ross & Co. with veneered figured walnut to the drawer fronts and surrounding the leather skiver to the top.

The method to dismantle this table is as you would expect: the four legs simply unscrew from the top. The legs are fitted with 3-inch-long steel bolts that provide a firm fixing through blocks into the corners of the top. The legs are numbered from 2 to 5, each stamped twice on either side of the bolt to the top of the leg. The font and unusual numbers, which might be expected to be from 1 to 4, are typical of Ross. The enamelled maker's plate set to the top of the right-hand drawer states 'Ross & Co. Camp Furniture Makers, 8,9,10 Ellis's Quay. Dublin'. The drawer locks were made by Samuel Hall & Sons of Birmingham and are marked 'Secure Lever No. 202'. Samuel Hall were at two Birmingham addresses: Vanguard Works at Hay Mills and Wrottesley Street. Aside from being brass founders they were also known as fancy cabinet makers. Much of their furniture was small in size and constructed of brass tubing with wooden tops or shelves etc. The second drawer has a stencil to its underside giving the similar details, although difficult to read in places, of 'Ross & Co. Upholsters Camp Furniture Manufacturers, 8,9,10 Ellis's Quay. Dublin'.

When set up, this Library Table looks just like its domestic equivalent. It has over hanging mouldings, ornate brass handles and figured walnut veneers to make it more attractive. Although Ross made furniture that followed the conventional rules for travel such as campaign chests, they are known for their portable furniture that is not on first sight obviously made to dismantle. This desk would originally have had a packing case to protect it during travel.

We have recorded two other similar Library Tables by Ross but this is the first we have had in stock. All three vary in size with the other two both larger. One shares the same turnings to the leg, whilst the other is different. One shares the same distinctive escutcheons whilst the other has a standard one. Both others have wooden knob handles as opposed to the brass handles that tie in with the escutcheons to this example. Neither of the other two have the wavy cut mouldings to the drawer edges that this one does. Some of the above features might have been bespoke requests from customers or it may be that Ross offered a few variations on the design.

This would have been a useful table for an officer or administrator travelling the empire. It can be used as a desk and a table, it can free stand or go against a wall or sofa back. Circa 1880.