IMPORTANT ROYAL DRUCE & CO LONDON 1840's RESTORED BURR WALNUT TWIN PEDESTAL DESK

Antiques of London

This is far more than a desk — it is a remarkable piece of British history , created by one of London's most prestigious 19th-century furniture makers: Druce & Co. of Baker Street, London .

Established in the mid-1800s, Druce & Co. earned a reputation as master upholsterers, cabinet makers, and house furnishers to the elite. Their clientele included the Prince of Wales, European royalty, aristocracy, and embassies , cementing their place among the highest social circles of Victorian London. To own a Druce & Co. piece was to possess a symbol of refinement, quality, and status.

Among the desk's most distinguished features are the brass drawer handles decorated with feathers — the heraldic badge of the heir apparent to the British throne . This emblem, historically associated with members of the royal household and those of significant standing, marks the piece as one of elevated importance and distinguished provenance. Its presence speaks to the grandeur and exclusivity of its origins.

The desk itself is crafted in exquisitely figured burr walnut , the grain enhanced by a traditional French polish that brings out its natural depth and warmth. The writing surface is fitted with hand-dyed leather , sympathetically restored to preserve its original character while ensuring it remains practical for use. The result is a seamless blend of historic authenticity and renewed beauty .

This desk also retains two original Druce & Co. labels . The first, found inside the drawer, reads: "From Messrs. Druce & Co., Upholsterers, Cabinet Makers, and House Agents, 68-69 Baker Street, Portman Square." The second, located beneath the desk, is a storage and transport label that charts its long-preserved heritage. Such surviving labels are exceptionally rare and provide invaluable confirmation of the maker, provenance, and authenticity.

Desks of this calibre — with provenance from Druce & Co., original labels intact, and fittings bearing the badge of the heir apparent — are extraordinarily scarce. Few survive in such conditions , and even fewer carry such direct links to one of London's foremost cabinet makers serving royalty and the aristocracy.

This is a museum-quality piece of 19th-century English furniture , celebrated for its royal connection, exceptional craftsmanship, and documented heritage . More than a desk, it is a work of art and a historical artefact — an investment-grade treasure that embodies the grandeur of Victorian London, the mastery of Druce & Co., and the enduring prestige of royal association.

Please carefully examine the pictures to see the condition before purchasing, as they form part of the description. If you have any questions, please message us.

Measurements

Height - 76 cm
Width - 124 cm
Depth - 76 cm
Kneehole height - 59 cm
Kneehole width - 42 cm
Kneehole depth - 44 cm

Please note all measurements are taken to the widest point of the item. Please don't hesitate to ask us if you need any other measures.

Condition report

We always try to picture our items as well as possible to show you any imperfections or damages, if there are any.

The pictures play a big part in the description, so please view them carefully before purchasing.

Delivery pricing on the listing

The price shown on the listing is just a guide. Please get in touch with us directly to request a quote before buying and not after.

Deliveries & Collections

Before purchasing an item, please ask us for a quote by sending us your postcode. If you are happy with the quotation, we will schedule it.

The courier that will be delivering your item will require help to unload. The price that will be quoted will always be based on this assumption. If you need two men, the initial quote will change. It usually is £20-40 on top of the original quote.

If you need an item carried upstairs, the courier charges extra. They charge £10-20 per flight. However, if you have a working elevator and the thing fits inside, then there should be no extra charge.

We prefer that the courier fees be paid by yourself directly to the company; the contract for delivery is between you and the chosen courier.

Alternatively, you can arrange the delivery yourself, or if you would like to collect, you can collect from our warehouse in Pulborough RH20 1DF.

Worldwide Shipping

We offer to coordinate and schedule deliveries to the rest of the world, all you need to do is send us your Postcode/Zip-code, and we will send you a quote.

Delivery can take 2-4 weeks within Europe and Air freight for countries outside of the EU; on some rare occasions, it can take slightly longer.

Sea freight delivery can take anywhere between 6-12 weeks.

Caring for your items

Vintage period and original items, such as leather seating, will always have a natural patina in the form of cracking, creasing and wear.

We recommend regular waxing to ensure no moisture is lost and to keep out of sunlight.

For Hand-Dyed leather items, we don't recommend placing them in direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as they will dry out and fade.

For wood, we recommend regular, thorough cleaning and waxing also.