Cabin Desk by Ramsey
Cabin Desk by Ramsey
The size of this mahogany antique Desk fits in well with it probable use in a ship's cabin.
Certainly, if it was not used on board ship it was made with travel in mind. A stencil under the top right drawer gives the maker's name of Ramsey, who advertised themselves as makers of solid mahogany cabin furniture. We have had a campaign chest by Ramsey in the past and it was illustrated in our Great Escape catalogue. This desk has the same larger than standard skeletal brass campaign handles and cock beading to the drawers as the chest. The top of the desk is divided into five cross banded sections with the largest, to the front middle, lifting for reading or writing. It has a flush ring pull handle to the top and a lectern foot which allows it to be adjusted to five different angles. A removable bar, for a book to rest on, fits to the front of the section. The top edge of the desk has a wide two reed moulding which is echoed to the base.
Ramsey's stencil notes 'From Ramsey & Co. Manufacturers, No. 83 High Street, Poplar. It is believed that Ramsey started in business around 1800 and used the name to the label until 1811 when they listed themselves as J&E Ramsey before becoming Ramsey & Carter. This is a good, early campaign desk that fits into the period before makers were working to established principles in making portable furniture. Circa 1810.
Dimensions:
Circa 1810
Mahogany
England
Ramsey & Co.
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