Research
Of Cuban mahogany. The rectangular top with moulded edge above a frieze set to the front with paired drawers, one of dummy form, to each side the frieze set with single drawers, one of dummy form, each with gilt escutcheons, to the rear half the frieze raised on a pedestal, set to either end with three tiered drawers, each with gilt escutcheon and ring handle, above shaped block feet, to the front half the frieze raised on two legs, each leg terminating in a pad foot.
The only known precedent that exists for the design of this extraordinary desk is a rosewood and brass-inlaid example in the Residenz Ansbach, Munich, circa 1730/40 (figure 1). There is an ever-increasing certainty of the cross-fertilization of ideas in furniture design between England and Germany in the first quarter of the 18th century, as the accession of George I in 1714 increased the transmission of artistic ideas between London and Hanover.
Full research available on request.