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Benjamin Disraeli’s Victorian Lap Desk
- This exceptional Victorian lap desk was owned by the Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli
- Its elaborate design places it among the finest Victorian writing desks of its era
- The writing slope is decorated with Gothic-inspired ornament
- Benjamin Disraeli was one of Britain’s most influential statesmen and the favorite of Queen Victoria
- Get complete item description here
$54,500
Item No.
32-2054
To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084
Description
Benjamin Disraeli’s Victorian Lap Desk Circa 1860
This exceptional Victorian lap desk was owned by Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881), one of Britain’s most influential statesmen and twice Prime Minister. Exceptionally large and lavishly appointed, it is a remarkable example of the luxurious furnishings befitting a man of Disraeli’s stature. Its richly figured coromandel veneer, elaborate ormolu mounts and impressive scale reflect the extraordinary level of craftsmanship and expense lavished on the finest Victorian writing desks.. . .
This exceptional Victorian lap desk was owned by Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881), one of Britain’s most influential statesmen and twice Prime Minister. Exceptionally large and lavishly appointed, it is a remarkable example of the luxurious furnishings befitting a man of Disraeli’s stature. Its richly figured coromandel veneer, elaborate ormolu mounts and impressive scale reflect the extraordinary level of craftsmanship and expense lavished on the finest Victorian writing desks.. . .
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Benjamin Disraeli’s Victorian Lap Desk Circa 1860
This exceptional Victorian lap desk was owned by Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881), one of Britain’s most influential statesmen and twice Prime Minister. Exceptionally large and lavishly appointed, it is a remarkable example of the luxurious furnishings befitting a man of Disraeli’s stature. Its richly figured coromandel veneer, elaborate ormolu mounts and impressive scale reflect the extraordinary level of craftsmanship and expense lavished on the finest Victorian writing desks.
The Gothic-inspired exterior is richly ornamented with elaborate gilt-bronze ormolu mounts, while the interior is fitted in satinwood and incorporates a sloped writing surface, inkwells, document compartments and trays, a thermometer and secret drawers. Crafted by J. Southcombe of Jermyn Street, London, the desk is fitted with a Bramah lock, produced by London’s oldest security firm and renowned for its exceptionally secure, tamper-resistant designs. These ingenious fittings, together with its sumptuous materials and impressive scale, make it an especially remarkable example of the Victorian writing slope.
Disraeli was a towering figure of 19th-century British political life. A novelist as well as a statesman, he served as Prime Minister twice, championed the development of modern Conservatism and played a significant role in the expansion of the British Empire. He was also a particular favorite of Queen Victoria, who elevated him to the peerage as Earl of Beaconsfield. The Gothic character of this writing slope is especially fitting for Disraeli, whose country residence, Hughenden Manor in Buckinghamshire, underwent extensive renovations in the Gothic Revival style during the 1860s.
A writing slope such as this served as the Victorian era’s portable writing desk, allowing its owner to compose correspondence and manage documents while traveling. Sometimes described as the “first laptop,” these finely crafted boxes were designed for both practicality and security, with fitted compartments, locks and, in exceptional examples, concealed drawers and secret compartments. Given its remarkable size, sophisticated fittings and luxurious ornament, this example represents the finest level of Victorian craftsmanship and would have been an extraordinarily costly object when new.
11 1/2" high x 20 3/4" wide x 14 1/4" deep
Provenance:
Benjamin Disraeli, Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
This exceptional Victorian lap desk was owned by Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881), one of Britain’s most influential statesmen and twice Prime Minister. Exceptionally large and lavishly appointed, it is a remarkable example of the luxurious furnishings befitting a man of Disraeli’s stature. Its richly figured coromandel veneer, elaborate ormolu mounts and impressive scale reflect the extraordinary level of craftsmanship and expense lavished on the finest Victorian writing desks.
The Gothic-inspired exterior is richly ornamented with elaborate gilt-bronze ormolu mounts, while the interior is fitted in satinwood and incorporates a sloped writing surface, inkwells, document compartments and trays, a thermometer and secret drawers. Crafted by J. Southcombe of Jermyn Street, London, the desk is fitted with a Bramah lock, produced by London’s oldest security firm and renowned for its exceptionally secure, tamper-resistant designs. These ingenious fittings, together with its sumptuous materials and impressive scale, make it an especially remarkable example of the Victorian writing slope.
Disraeli was a towering figure of 19th-century British political life. A novelist as well as a statesman, he served as Prime Minister twice, championed the development of modern Conservatism and played a significant role in the expansion of the British Empire. He was also a particular favorite of Queen Victoria, who elevated him to the peerage as Earl of Beaconsfield. The Gothic character of this writing slope is especially fitting for Disraeli, whose country residence, Hughenden Manor in Buckinghamshire, underwent extensive renovations in the Gothic Revival style during the 1860s.
A writing slope such as this served as the Victorian era’s portable writing desk, allowing its owner to compose correspondence and manage documents while traveling. Sometimes described as the “first laptop,” these finely crafted boxes were designed for both practicality and security, with fitted compartments, locks and, in exceptional examples, concealed drawers and secret compartments. Given its remarkable size, sophisticated fittings and luxurious ornament, this example represents the finest level of Victorian craftsmanship and would have been an extraordinarily costly object when new.
11 1/2" high x 20 3/4" wide x 14 1/4" deep
Provenance:
Benjamin Disraeli, Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
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Specifications
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Desk/Writing Tables |
| Style: | Victorian |
| Depth: | 14.25 in. (36.2 cm) |
| Width: | 20.75 in. (52.71 cm) |
| Height: | 11.5 in. (29.21 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
