Bidspirit auction | English Partner Pedestal ”Rent” Desk,

English Partner Pedestal ”Rent” Desk, James Winter & Son ca. 1830 - William IV Inlaid Mahogany and Tooled Leather “Rent” Pedestal Partner’s Desk, England, circa 1830, stamped JAMES WINTER & SONS, 101 WARDOUR STREET LONDON; lock stamped BRAMAH PATENT A William IV mahogany pedestal “rent” desk of a form associated with Gillows & Co., this example stamped by the London cabinetmaker and furniture dealer James Winter & Sons of Wardour Street. The rectangular top is inset with a patinated gilt-tooled leather writing surface, with a conforming leather writing slide to the interior. The top is bordered by finely executed mixed-wood marquetry inlay of scrolling vines and foliage. The upper façade is fitted with eight faux drawer fronts, concealing a single full-width section that withdraws from the desk. Brass buttons at either side release the fall-front panel, opening first to the leather writing surface and then to an interior fitted with alphabetized “rent” compartments. The rear compartments retain concealed drawers behind removable panels. The desk is hung with simple brass ring pulls, with oak secondary woods, well-cut dovetails and bracket feet. James Winter established his business in 1823 at 101 Wardour Street, Soho, London, working as a cabinetmaker, undertaker, dealer, appraiser and restorer of second-hand and antique furniture. The firm later traded as James Winter & Sons and expanded along Wardour Street, becoming one of London’s better-known nineteenth-century furniture dealers and cabinetmaking firms. 33 5/16 in. H x 49 3/8 in. W x 29 in. D; knee clearance 22 3/8 in.