An attractive 18th century (and later) large Derbyshire desk

Some would call this a Bible box, but I was always taught that a Bible Box had a straight top and that Derbyshire Desks had sloping tops to assist the user when writing. Derbyshire desks also had a number of drawers (technically called tills) which would have held paper, quills, seals and sealing wax etc. We still use the term 'Derbyshire Desk' even though the production of such items was not limited to that geographic area. In detail we have the following:

- a highly patinated single board top, plus a separate rectangular section attached to the carcass via screws. The nature of the screw heads suggest that these screws are pre-1850 in date. This section (plus the single board top are replacement pieces). We can be certain of this as there is a cut out on the front face where a hasp would have been inset but there is no indication on the top that it ever hosted a hasp. The shadow of where the original cranked hinges were located can clearly be seen on the back of the desk (as shown in one of the photographs).The colour of the top is an excellent match for the rest of the item and does not appear out of place. The top clearly has some age as it is slightly warped (visible from the sides where a gap between the top and the side boards can be seen)

- the front face and both sides contain very attractive nulled friezes

- original lock and lock plate. The lock plate is attached by nails (as it should be)  

- a metal escutcheon pivots over the key hole

- attractive mouldings at the front and sides

- unpolished base, back and interior all of which is correct for a piece of furniture of this period

- the lid rises to reveal a shelf. I have no doubt that at one time up to 3 drawers would have sat on this shelf. The shelf is clearly original to the piece indicating that this item was constructed as a 'Derbyshire desk'. There are what appear to be ink stains down the back of this desk

- largely of nailed construction   

Rich patination. A very striking piece of furniture

Due to the size and weight of this item it is for collection only from Buntingford, East Herts. SG9

Please see my other items which are predominantly 18th and 19th century in date