I have a 19th century davenport desk. Modest design but slightly ornamental wooden desk (uncertain wood, possibly oak, maple, perhaps rosewood or cherry). Hinged, sloping lid/ writing surface with a narrow flat shelf at the rear top. Rail at the back and sides of the top shelf. Desk looks good and is being carefully used. Probably made in 1840s. Lid hinges were broken for many years but were repaired 20 years ago. Was painted black a century or more ago, but 50 years ago it was stripped and stained. (Good job.) Two side drawers. (The third drawer at the very bottom is fake.) The cubby area in the back of the inside was fixed 20 yrs ago, too. I have searched for a maker's mark but am unable to find one. This desk was, according to family lore, used by my great-great-grandfather in his Concord, New Hampshire law practice in the mid-1840s. Historical note, perhaps of interest: When the partnership dissolved after only a few years, my g-g-grandfather went on to become a justice of the state supreme court of New Hampshire, and his partner went on to become president of the United States. I know of no way to guarantee that the future president ever used this desk, but my family has always liked to suppose that he might have.
