Featured Victorian walnut kidney desk, Gillows?

Evening all!

I have recently purchased this gorgeous kidney desk at an estate auction in Australia, I believe it could be by Gillows but I am unsure as it is unmarked. It’s certainly of English make with cedar construction, over all very finely made. There are five locks to the drawers of the lower section each by Bramah, and I can date them to post 1887 with the marks. The top of the desk has a dropping door that when is locked, all the top drawers are locked, and when lowered unlocks. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts/knowledge on the possible origin of this piece?

 

Welcome, Crossy and nice job with the pics.

The furniture folks pop in at all times of the day, so please keep checking back.

 

Welcome Crossy!

You’ve done a superlative job on your research as well as your photos. I would say that you’re right on all counts, at least as right as you can be without definitive furniture labels.

Bramah locks are to be found on many high end pieces, including such things as mid-19th Century coromandel jewelry boxes. I would expect them on a Gillows desk.

You’ve made a fine purchase; thanks for sharing. You made my day!

 

A truly wonderful desk ! I wonder when the locks were changed ?

 

What a wonderful desk! Very Special.

 

The locks date between 1871 and 1901, which fits the style. Those exact locks occur on many Gillow desks, including kidney ones.

Johnny, why do you think they’re replacements?

Shape and quality are right for Gillows anyhow. It might have had a label which has vanished over the years.

I’d love to know what you paid. If this is properly attached, it’s a very valuable piece.

 

I dont know,I thought the locks looked modern ?

 

Dating the lock:

https://www.antiquebox.org/bramah-locks/

Debora

 

Unfortunately, no marks on the desk, I have checked thoroughly many times. I have done a fair bit of reading and it appears they aren’t always often marked. There is a scribble to the underside of a drawer though, perhaps the cabinet makers, but it is very hard to decipher. I’ll try to attach a photo here, but it is very hard to capture in the right light. It appears to read ‘Bight’, or something similar.

Antiques down under aren’t very much sought after these days, although the good pieces will bring strong prices. I paid ~AUD$2,350 including the buyers premium.

 

Very beautiful desk!

 

Agreed,very impressive desk!

I found this an interesting read with some nice photos too (if someone is interested) There’s also a section on identifying.

https://antiquesworld.co.uk/gillows-of-lancaster-warring-gillows-furniture/

 

Very tasty. I'm a furniture-aholic.