The Oxfordshire Carpentry Company
01235 428058
A Google 5 star company
In business since 1994
"Absolutely superb in every way. Expert, honest and professional."
Mr. M, Oxford March 2024
Antique Furniture
I have always had a passion for furniture; the proportions, the colour, the smell.
Over the past 25 or so years “brown” antique furniture like oak desks, walnut wardrobes, amazing “flame” mahogany games and tea tables have been out of fashion. It is such a shame. Antiques are the pinnacle of recycling. I remember one of the antiques shops in Wallingford used to advertise “12 previous owners” next to pieces!
There are not many proper antique shops left anymore. Most people now trade from antique centres and to be honest, a lot of the stock should not be referred to as antique; “collectables” at a push, while the amount of very poor reproductions on the market is frightening.
In the 1990’s, there was a fashion for furniture to be stripped and re-polished. Most ‘new’ customers would not touch a piece unless it was perfect and free from blemishes and scratches. Some major antiques fairs were crammed with over polished walnut, mahogany and rosewood.
I decided that now and again, when I see an original piece in the trade, that I would buy it and sympathetically clean and wax polish it. No new veneering, no stripping and French polishing. If a piece of molding needs replacing I will make and fit it. All work will be within the description.
If you are looking for an antique in nice original condition with signs of age and a good patina, one of my pieces may be for you. If you want something in showroom condition but 150 years old you may need to hunt elsewhere.
Delivery and international shipping (not Russia) can be arranged please mail for details oxoncarpenter@gmail.com
Collection from Wantage in Oxfordshire
This is a very nice example of a burr walnut Davenport desk c1880. As usual the drawers are on the right-hand side with dummy drawers on the left.
In original condition and with its original black writing surface embossed in a blind Greek key surrounding gold.
The quality of this piece is clear with the amazing satinwood inlays and stringing, I think a small piece of beading may have been replaced and there is slight damage to the bottom back which could be restored within the price if required (to be honest I would keep it in this original condition).
£670.00
Please click on the image for more photographs
Front view showing writing surface and satinwood inlays
Front showing lift up lid for pens, inks etc
Satinwood inlay detail
Front view showing writing surface and satinwood inlays
A very simple piece of furniture which would have been found in many middle class homes from the middle of the 19th century, this is a beech, fold away childs school desk.
​
You will see that the legs are positioned so that the user can swing their legs under and not have to push their chair back. c1920, 20" wide, 18" deep, 27" high.
​
£75.00
Please click on the image for more photographs
Front showing top
Right hand side
Detail of top and 100 years of use
Front showing top
This is unusual and at first I thought it had quite a limited market, it is a mid 20th century magicians table for holding his tricks and illusions when he is performing.
On reflection it could be used anywhere as a small table or lamp table and if space is short it can be folded and packed away - a fantastic piece for a small flat or boat. The top has some minor scratches and some bleaching but I think that just adds to its beauty. 21 1/2" long, 14" wide, 22" high.
£125.00
Please click on the image for more photographs
​
​
Top, the cards are under a polish. Hat and book not included
top
Folded and ready for the next performance
Top, the cards are under a polish. Hat and book not included
SOLD A ladies leather handbag, mid 20th century, stunning quality with its original key and interior offering pouches and loops for bottles. A repair to the handle strap (almost un noticable) and a small hole to the interior base lining. neither of these make a difference to this beautiful timeless bag
13" long, 8" wide, 8" high.
£140.00
Please click on image for more photographs
Front
Side
Original key
Front
This is not an antique, I would estimate it at being less than five years old but I just had to add it to my collection. This sofa table reflects the very best in contempary British cabinet making, the quality is outstanding with Rosewood veneers on a solid Mahogany frame, the drawers lined in Amercian white oak and edged in solid brass. This piece was either made to order or retailed by one of the famous high end London stores. I would wager that the cabinet maker is ex Rycotewood College or Parnham House. This table will seat 4 - 6 people if required. 37" wide / 61" with leaves up, 24" deep, 28" high.
£1450.00
Please click on the image for more photographs
Detail of rosewood veneer
Front view showing drawers (replicated on beck but dummies) showing turned streatcher.
Solid brass casters
Detail of rosewood veneer