Ship's Cabin Desk

An early Victorian mahogany Cabin Desk.

The small size and gallery to the top are quick indicators that this desk was made for use on board ship. It is comparable to a desk by Ramsey & Co. in the Archive section of this website, although its a little later in date.

The desk has a longer middle drawer to the top flanked by two shorter drawers. The pedestals have two more shorter drawers below the top one. All the drawers have good, brass skeletal campaign handles. The only lock that is marked is to the longer middle drawer which is stamped Secure Patent Leaver with a crown and VR for Victoria Regina.

The top of the desk has a green leather slope to the middle with a ratchet underneath to allow it to be raised to two different angled positions. The desk stands on eight turned feet that are not removable.

Not all travel furniture was made to dismantle and that is even more likely with furniture meant for use on board ship. This desk fits into that category and its small size meant it was practical for a ship's cabin where space would be restricted. Its size meant it could also be moved relatively easy. Circa 1840.

The height given it to the top of the gallery.