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Learn MorePartner's Desk from the Bank of England
- This beautiful mahogany partner’s desk was formerly located at the Bank of England
- It has its original Royal Safe Company safe and a Birmingham-made R.E. & Co. four-lever lock
- The desk is marked with a J. Carter & Company placard from Clerkenwell
- Get complete item description here
$44,500
Item No.
32-1910
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Description
English Partner’s Desk
J. Carter & Company
Circa 1890
This commanding English partner’s desk, crafted in richly figured mahogany and green leather, exemplifies the authority and craftsmanship of late 19th-century British furniture. Once used by bankers at the Bank of England, it reflects both the prestige of its setting and the elevated standards of London cabinetmaking. Its symmetrical, double-sided design allows two individuals to work opposite one another, a hallmark of the partner’s desk. . .
J. Carter & Company
Circa 1890
This commanding English partner’s desk, crafted in richly figured mahogany and green leather, exemplifies the authority and craftsmanship of late 19th-century British furniture. Once used by bankers at the Bank of England, it reflects both the prestige of its setting and the elevated standards of London cabinetmaking. Its symmetrical, double-sided design allows two individuals to work opposite one another, a hallmark of the partner’s desk. . .
Read More
English Partner’s Desk
J. Carter & Company
Circa 1890
This commanding English partner’s desk, crafted in richly figured mahogany and green leather, exemplifies the authority and craftsmanship of late 19th-century British furniture. Once used by bankers at the Bank of England, it reflects both the prestige of its setting and the elevated standards of London cabinetmaking. Its symmetrical, double-sided design allows two individuals to work opposite one another, a hallmark of the partner’s desk form developed for senior banking officials.
Crafted by J. Carter & Company, the broad rectangular top is inset with a green leather writing surface framed by a molded mahogany edge. Three frieze drawers extend across the façade, each fitted with turned circular pulls, while one pedestal contains a bank of graduated drawers and the opposing pedestal conceals a paneled cabinet door enclosing the integrated safe. Notably, the desk incorporates a Royal Safe Company safe and Birmingham-made R.E. & Co. four-lever lock—an uncommon and sophisticated feature that was meant for the utmost security.
Joseph Carter established his Clerkenwell cabinetry business circa 1841 as a carpenter, builder and decorator. By 1877, Kelly’s Trade Directory records him as a furniture dealer operating from multiple Lime Street addresses. Following his death that same year, the firm continued under William Albert Bird as Joseph Carter & Company, later becoming J. Carter & Company. Clerkenwell was a vital center of London cabinetmaking, supplying furniture to institutions and professional offices throughout the capital.
31 1/2" high x 72" wide x 47 1/2" deep
Provenance:
Private collection, England
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Private collection, New Orleans
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
J. Carter & Company
Circa 1890
This commanding English partner’s desk, crafted in richly figured mahogany and green leather, exemplifies the authority and craftsmanship of late 19th-century British furniture. Once used by bankers at the Bank of England, it reflects both the prestige of its setting and the elevated standards of London cabinetmaking. Its symmetrical, double-sided design allows two individuals to work opposite one another, a hallmark of the partner’s desk form developed for senior banking officials.
Crafted by J. Carter & Company, the broad rectangular top is inset with a green leather writing surface framed by a molded mahogany edge. Three frieze drawers extend across the façade, each fitted with turned circular pulls, while one pedestal contains a bank of graduated drawers and the opposing pedestal conceals a paneled cabinet door enclosing the integrated safe. Notably, the desk incorporates a Royal Safe Company safe and Birmingham-made R.E. & Co. four-lever lock—an uncommon and sophisticated feature that was meant for the utmost security.
Joseph Carter established his Clerkenwell cabinetry business circa 1841 as a carpenter, builder and decorator. By 1877, Kelly’s Trade Directory records him as a furniture dealer operating from multiple Lime Street addresses. Following his death that same year, the firm continued under William Albert Bird as Joseph Carter & Company, later becoming J. Carter & Company. Clerkenwell was a vital center of London cabinetmaking, supplying furniture to institutions and professional offices throughout the capital.
31 1/2" high x 72" wide x 47 1/2" deep
Provenance:
Private collection, England
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Private collection, New Orleans
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
Specifications
| Period: | 19th Century |
| Origin: | England |
| Type: | Desk/Writing Tables |
| Style: | Victorian |
| Depth: | 47.5 in. (120.65 cm) |
| Width: | 72.0 in. (182.88 cm) |
| Height: | 31.5 in. (80.01 cm) |
Buy with Confidence
At 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
