Western India, probably Bombay, circa 1870. A fine carved rosewood davenport desk, the top having a elaborately carved and floral pierced border with leather inlaid slant top writing surface opening an interior with two short drawers over a simulated drawer, the body is raised on two front carved mythological beast columns centering the ornately carved, pierced front panel decorated with tree of life motif and centered with a beast over a deep carved and pierced apron, the right side of carved case holds a secret pen drawer which is activated by puling the interior simulated left drawer pull. The pen drawer pops out and hinges over a door holding four drawers, the whole intricately carved and pierced and resting on carved dog form feet. Approximate height 35", width 25", depth 27". Note: For similar example see Furniture From British India and Ceylon by Amin Jaffer page 349.

Structurally sound. Leather writing surface with some cracking and loss (see image #4). There is wood fill to top back panel to cover screws/nailsheads. There is a crack with loss to the back right pierced carved border. There is a horizontal crack to the right center of top back panel (see image #4). Locking mechanism to the interior desk and side door not original. There is a missing divider between the two small interior desk drawers. Interior desk base with horizontal separation and screw missing lower right. Oxidation to campaign style pulls with pitting commensurate with age (see image #10).