Mahogany Secretaire from Gillow’s of Lancaster & London, 1780s

A rare find, looking through Gillow’s of Lancaster and London 1730-1840. I’ve found a selection of similar examples, the drawer linings and dovetail joints are correct, as detailed in Volume. I page 279 you can see the exact same fold drop mechanism for the drawer front, on page 282 you can see the exact same leather writing slope, the lock is correct, stamped ‘Patent’ under the Crown for King George. III, these locks were used by Gillow’s between 1784-1797 as detailed again on Chapter 7 page 337 Volume. II. The timber is correct for the period, Cuban or Havana mahogany, a very detailed extract reads as follows. Adam Bowett has pointed out that Cuban Mahogany was first bought into England after the capture of Havana in 1762 and during the subsequent British occupation. The desk has been sympathetically restored to include being lightly waxed and polished, the leather inserts are new, the original had totally perished, otherwise it is in stunning condition for a 220+ year old chest of drawers.