Georgian Mahogany Desk

Georgian Mahogany Desk
The top with moulded gallery and folding top with cast brass hinges supported by a pair of lopers, three graduated drawers with cast brass folding bale handles.  The bottom drawer with three divisions and brackets which would have held reels of some sort.  The back of the chest is not fully boarded, it has two boards to the sides, this is totally original.
English, circa 1800

The configuration of this piece of furniture is quite unusual, incorporating the fold over top often seen in a bachelors chest and the folding bale handles used in campaign furniture because they fold flush to the drawer front.   This was perhaps originally used by a clerk or surveyor, the flat open top suitable for maps and plans.   It  makes a practical desk which can be folded away to be come a narrow chest of drawers when not in use.  

Condition: Lovely rich colour to the mahogany throughout and complete with the original brass handles, the hinged fold over top is lifted by a small brass handle and the slide out lopers support it well.  The drawers all run smoothly.