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Howard Sons Ltd Desks

British

For more than two centuries, the name Howard Sons Ltd has been synonymous with elegance and exceptional handcrafted quality. Their Victorian furnishings graced grand old hotels like The Savoy in London, British Royal residences and luxury yachts of the day, including American business tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt’s North Star. 

Today, stately armchairs, sofas and rich, hand-carved serving tables from Howard Sons continue to be a gold standard among the most discerning furniture collectors. Queen Elizabeth II is even said to have owned the world's most extensive collection of Howard Sons chairs.

Howard Sons Ltd was founded in 1820 on Leman street in London by cabinetmaker and upholsterer John Howard. Although he had three sons — George, Charles and Joseph — it was only George who later joined his father in running the family business. Before their upholstered armchairs and sofas garnered universal acclaim, Howard Sons was a cabinetry company that collaborated with another well-known cabinetmaker, Gillows of Lancaster and London, on large projects and likely manufactured upholstered furniture for Gillows. 

Howard Sons Ltd showcased their pieces and won awards at several important exhibitions towards the end of the 19th century. They were given medals at the 1878 Paris Exhibition, the 1894 Antwerp Exhibition and the 1900 Paris Exposition. In 1901, they received their first Royal warrant to supply upholstered furniture to King Edward VII.

Howard Sons Ltd continued production until 1947. During the 1950s, a London decorating firm called Lenygon Morant began to trade under the Howard name. The company re-emerged in 1967 as Howard Chairs Ltd. Today, the brand is again known again as Howard Sons and carries on the tradition of creating bespoke furniture from their London-based workshop.

On 1stDibs, find a range of antique Howard Sons Ltd seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other collectibles.

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Creator: Howard Sons Ltd
Howard Sons London Leather Topped Faux Bamboo Writing Table, circa 1875
By Howard Sons Ltd
Located in Kinderhook, NY
English circa 1875 Aesthetic Movement writing table or desk by London cabinetmakers Howard & Sons having original green leather top; the oval form case with single drawer and origina...
Category

Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Howard Sons Ltd Desks

Materials

Brass

Howard Sons London Leather Topped Faux Bamboo Writing Table, circa 1875
Howard Sons London Leather Topped Faux Bamboo Writing Table, circa 1875

Howard Sons London Leather Topped Faux Bamboo Writing Table, circa 1875

$8,975
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English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780
English Mahogany Leather Top Writing Desk, Circa 1780

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English Burl Walnut Leather Top Davenport with Acanthus Cabriole Legs Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
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English Burl Walnut Leather Top Davenport with Acanthus Cabriole Legs Circa 1840
English Burl Walnut Leather Top Davenport with Acanthus Cabriole Legs Circa 1840

English Burl Walnut Leather Top Davenport with Acanthus Cabriole Legs Circa 1840

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H 34.5 in W 21.25 in D 22 in
Fine Victorian Jas Shoolbred Green Marble Topped Watchmakers Desk Writing Table
By Jas Schoolbred
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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Fine Victorian Jas Shoolbred Green Marble Topped Watchmakers Desk Writing Table
Fine Victorian Jas Shoolbred Green Marble Topped Watchmakers Desk Writing Table

Fine Victorian Jas Shoolbred Green Marble Topped Watchmakers Desk Writing Table

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H 30.12 in W 48.43 in D 22.25 in
Custom, English Walnut Burl Writing Table
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Custom, English Walnut Burl Writing Table

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H 30.75 in W 66.5 in D 36.5 in
Simply Modern Writing Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
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Materials

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Simply Modern Writing Table
Simply Modern Writing Table

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H 30 in W 72 in D 31.5 in
Victorian Library Table by Holland Sons
By Holland Sons
Located in New Orleans, LA
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H 30 in W 72 in D 48 in
Antique Burr Walnut Writing Desk by Howard Sons
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Antique Burr Walnut Writing Desk by Howard Sons
Antique Burr Walnut Writing Desk by Howard Sons

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Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes
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Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

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English Shaped Top Mahogany Writing Table
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English Shaped Top Mahogany Writing Table

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Petit Roll Top Mahogany Mechanical Desk Writing Table Tapered Legs Mid Century
By Edward Wormley
Located in Rockaway, NJ
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Previously Available Items
19th Century English Burl Walnut Howard Sons Writing Desk
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Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your study room / workspace with this Exquisite Howard and Sons Burl Walnut Lacquered Writing Desk, a masterpiece of design, craftsmanship, and fine details. The burl walnut wood and gilt bronze floral decorations create a sense of sophistication and luxury that is characteristic of Howard and Sons pieces. The addition of brass handles adds both functionality and classic charm to the design. The desk features a practical layout with five front pull drawers, including two on each side and one in the middle, each adorned with Clarke and Timmins marks on the handles, showcasing the heritage of this piece. The leather top provides a luxurious writing surface, and the four tapered feet with gilt brass hardware ensure both stability and style. Imagine this Howard and Sons Writing Desk...
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1870s European Louis XV Antique Howard Sons Ltd Desks

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19th Century English Burl Walnut Howard Sons Writing Desk
19th Century English Burl Walnut Howard Sons Writing Desk

19th Century English Burl Walnut Howard Sons Writing Desk

H 27.5 in W 48.3 in D 26 in
19th Century English Victorian Burr Yew Writing Table
By Howard Sons Ltd
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19th Century English Victorian Burr Yew Writing Table
19th Century English Victorian Burr Yew Writing Table

19th Century English Victorian Burr Yew Writing Table

H 27.96 in W 50.01 in D 28.35 in
Original Howard Son s Victorian Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Brown Leather Top
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Original Howard Son s Victorian Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Brown Leather Top
Original Howard Son s Victorian Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Brown Leather Top

Original Howard Son s Victorian Twin Pedestal Partner Desk Brown Leather Top

H 30.91 in W 49.61 in D 25.2 in

Howard Sons Ltd desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Howard Sons Ltd desks are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Howard Sons Ltd desks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks by Howard Sons Ltd were created in the louis xv style in europe during the 19th century. Prices for Howard Sons Ltd desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,600 and can go as high as $8,975, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,288.
Questions About Howard Sons Ltd Desks
  • Are all Howard and Sons chairs stamped?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, all Howard and Sons chairs are stamped. However, the type and location of the stamp varies. You may see a name or number on a caster wheel or foot on some pieces. Others display the stamp on a paper label sewn onto the fabric. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted Howard and Sons chairs.
  • How can I spot an authentic Howard Sons chair?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To spot an authentic Howard Sons chair, first look for a name or number on the inside of the back foot. There may also be a paper label sewn into the hessian or a name stamp on the wheel. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of expertly vetted Howard Sons chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.

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