A Victorian Figured Walnut Desk, labelled Sopwith & Co Patent, Manufacturer, Newcastle-on-Tyne, circa 1870, the upper section with two cupboard doors flanking a fall front with an inset green leather writing surface and an arrangement of pigeon holes, the base with moulded top and sliding drawer to the side with pivoting turned legs for support, the desk with eight graduated drawers, on a platform base, 143cm by 80cm by 155cm See illustration Thomas Sopwith, son of a cabinet maker, invented an ingenious type of desk with all its drawers secured by a single lock, name the Monocleid, which won a prize in the 1851 Great Exhibition. Thomas Sopwith is listed at Dog-Bank, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, see Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, pg.839. Maximum length extended 255cm. Slightly faded but a uniform colour. Top of superstructure with numerous scratches, some deep. Leather writing surface replaced so in good cosmetic condition. Leather replaced to pull-out drawer to the side, so in reasonable condition. Some very small natural small splits around the moulded top and plain frieze. All drawers open. 100220