How the Davenport Got Its Name
 | | Davenport Desk |
In 1492, a certain Captain Columbus sailed the ocean blue. 300 years later in 1790, a certain Captain Davenport was doing some sailing of his own.
One thing troubled Davenport. He wanted a writing desk to take along with him, but he didn't want to take a heavy piece of furniture on-board.
A man of action, the good captain commissioned furniture makers Gillow and Barton of Lancaster, England to find a solution. And indeed they did. It was the birth of the compact writing desk.
Davenport loved his desk...and so did everyone else.
Every time the company received a new order for a similar item, it recorded the transaction under the name of the original purchaser. Thus, the name "Davenport" became associated with this type of desk.
How can you spot a Davenport? There is some variety to the desks, but most were characterized by a roughly square case and a slant-top writing surface.
What makes a Davenport extra special is the bank of drawers on one side of the pedestal base and the space under the writing section that allows you to store accessories such as letters, pens, stamps, etc.
Davenport-type desks are popular with modern collectors because their small size is in proper proportion to most modern room sizes. But while Davenports aren't too big, their price tag can be.
One in good condition can set you back around $5,000. This story is an excerpt from: "Betcha Didn't Know That!" by Leon Castner & Brian Kathenes. Learn more at:
Click Davenport to see details about the desk that is illustrated.
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