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Victorian Paine Furniture Davenport Desk 1864-1880

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:750.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Victorian Paine Furniture Davenport Desk 1864-1880
Featured in this lot is this mid 19th century Victorian Paine Davenport Desk, circa 1864-1880. A Davenport desk, (sometimes originally known as a Devonport desk or a Captain's desk) is a small desk with an inclined lifting desktop attached with hinges to the back of the body. Lifting the desktop accesses a large compartment with storage space for paper and other writing implements, and smaller spaces in the forms of small drawers and pigeonholes. The Davenport has drawers on one of its sides, which are sometimes concealed by a panel. This stack of side drawers holds up the back of the desk and most of its weight. The desk shape is distinctive; its top part resembles an antique school desk. This desk form was popular during the 19th century. Founded in 1835, the Paine Furniture Company was at one time the largest furniture manufacturer and dealer in New England and had a nationwide business. The name was changed in 1864 to Paine's Furniture Company which remained until the business closed in 2000. Inside second drawer down has Paine's company stamp affixed. Davenport desk has 4 drawers and a fifth tiny drawer, handmade dovetails on the drawers and the carved drawer pulls. The upper part of this writing case provides a locking storage compartment with two drawers and five slots. Davenport desks of the 19th century had a variety of different leg designs, this desk has a modified ball in claw and scrolled legs. Measures 22"W x 23"D x 36"H, The front of the desk is 30” tall.