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Learn MoreBurr Elm & Oak Desk Tray from Charlton Park Estate
- This Renaissance revival desk tray was created for Charlton Park Estate
- Heraldic lions at each corner and narrative relief panels demonstrate exceptional English carving
- The warm burr elm and oak construction showcases the finest English timber craftsmanship
- Charlton Park House is a refined prodigy house and one of England's most distinguished estates
- Get complete item description here
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19th Century
This exceptional desk tray exemplifies the finest English craftsmanship of the 19th century, created specifically for Charlton Park Estate, the distinguished seat of the Earls of Suffolk and Berkshire. Carved in the Renaissance revival style to harmonize with the architectural grandeur of the prodigy house, the treasure represents both functional excellence and aristocratic provenance.
The warm honey-colored burr elm showcases the. . .
19th Century
This exceptional desk tray exemplifies the finest English craftsmanship of the 19th century, created specifically for Charlton Park Estate, the distinguished seat of the Earls of Suffolk and Berkshire. Carved in the Renaissance revival style to harmonize with the architectural grandeur of the prodigy house, the treasure represents both functional excellence and aristocratic provenance.
The warm honey-colored burr elm showcases the natural beauty of English timber, while the meticulous carving demonstrates the skilled artisanship reserved for England's most prestigious country estates. The tray features lions positioned at each corner, with intricate scenes carved in relief across all four sides. The interior compartments hold crystal inkwells and a single drawer for storing writing materials. The stepped design and raised borders create a sense of architectural grandeur befitting its noble origins.
Charlton Park House stands as one of England's finest examples of a prodigy house, begun in the 1560s by Henry Knyvet and passing to the Howard family through marriage in 1598. The estate became the ancestral seat of the Earls of Suffolk, with Thomas Howard receiving his earldom in 1603. The late Michael John James George Robert Howard, 21st Earl of Suffolk and 14th Earl of Berkshire (1935-2022), maintained the estate's reputation as one of England's most beautifully preserved country houses. His stewardship of the 5,000-acre estate ensured that pieces like this desk tray remained integral to Charlton Park's distinguished heritage, representing centuries of English aristocratic taste and craftsmanship.
19th Century
20 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" high x 16" deep
Provenance: Michael John James George Robert Howard, 21st Earl of Suffolk and 14th Earl of Berkshire (1935-2022)
Private collection, England
M.S. Rau, New Orleans

Period: | 19th Century |
Origin: | England |
Type: | Inkwell/Desk set |
Style: | Georgian |
Depth: | 16.0 in. (40.64 cm) |
Width: | 20.5 in. (52.07 cm) |
Height: | 6.5 in. (16.51 cm) |

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Read MoreAt M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More