Cape stinkwood partners' desk, 19th century
Evening Sale
Lot Estimate Change Currency
ZAR 15 000 - 20 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 60 063
Delivery
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Auction Catalogue
About this Item
Cape stinkwood partners' desk, 19th century
the rectangular moulded top with rounded corners fitted with a gilt-tooled brown leather writing surface, above a central frieze drawer flanked by four graduating drawers, the opposing side with three frieze drawers flanked by cupboards enclosing a single shelf, panelled sides, raised on a conforming plinth base fitted with castors, original brass fittings throughout
height: 77cm; width: 167cm; depth: 104cm
Notes
This desk is reputed to have been designed by the architect Sir Herbert Baker. Made of pale stinkwood with original brass fittings, this desk was one of the few pieces rescued from a fire at Groote Schuur, Rhodes' home in Cape Town.
There were very few writing desks or bureaus found at the early Cape as the task of writing was not yet a common passtime. This writing desk is very much in the English form, the only evidence that it is Cape made, is the wood being stinkwood.
Provenance
Private Collection.
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