A fabulous Victorian roll top cylinder desk dating from the mid to late 19th Century. The desk has a small raised gallery around the top and the cylinder front opens to reveal a fitted interior with a series of pigeon holes and small satinwood drawers. There is a large writing surface that pulls out from the desk with a leather covered central section that can be fixed at a slope for ease of writing.
It has a retailer's label inside one drawer for "W.L.Hammond, Dealer in Superior Second-hand and New Library Office and Chamber Furniture. 30 Bell Yard, Lincoln's Inn."
The desk stands on two large pedestals with an arrangement of nine drawers around a central kneehole. Each drawer has its original turned knobs which match the knobs on the roll front. The back of the desk is beautifully finished with moulded panels so the desk can be used in the centre of a room as well as against a wall.
The whole piece is superb quality and has a wonderful rich patina. The interior is clean and tidy, the drawers open well and the cylinder top runs smoothly and firmly. It is not without some signs of age and use. There are some general knocks and small marks around the base as well as some small repairs to veneer chips and an old shrinkage split in the cylinder but no major damages or anything detrimental. The desk has been cleaned and gently polished and is ready for use.
