Thursday, January 9, 2020

Drexel 'Oxford Square' Campaign Style Desk





Dazzlingly sumptuous, if a bit boisterous, this campaign style desk was made by Drexel as part of their 'Oxford Square' Collection.  It has all of the bells and whistles, and a few surprises too.  The overall look of the piece is very British, c. 19th c.  It was actually made in America in 1970, but has built in age, character and patina.  The double  X-base appears to be aged brass.  It is, in fact, gilt wood that has been finished, very realistically, to look like patinated brass.  The body of the desk is pecan, and has been finished and distressed to look like it's travelled many miles over a century or two.  It has had one owner and one home for its entire life.  There are a few darker areas on the top which I don't think were part of the original finish, but only add to the character.  There is applied decoration on the top, sides, front and back.  On either side of the top, the tambour roll-tops glide open (very smoothly) to reveal a compartment with a single shelf.  In the center, two drawers are flanked by a pair of cubby holes on either side.  Below, are three drawers with patinated brass pulls.  This one's a show stopper and can be found online listed for up to over 9k.  54" l., 26" d., 34.5" h.  American, c. 1970  SOLD
Condition:  Very good vintage condition with age appropriate wear.