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Howard Sons Ltd Desks and Writing Tables

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 and Writing Tables

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
Beautiful Victorian Oak Pedestal Desk Made By Howard&Sons
By Howard Sons Ltd
Located in Crawley, GB
Beautiful small oak pedestal desk made be Howard&Sons between 1860-1890 , with brown leather and gilt tooled inset top above an arrangement of ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Howard Sons Ltd Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Oak

Beautiful Victorian Oak Pedestal Desk Made By Howard&Sons
Beautiful Victorian Oak Pedestal Desk Made By Howard&Sons

Beautiful Victorian Oak Pedestal Desk Made By Howard&Sons

$2,720 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Burr Walnut Writing Desk by Howard Sons
By Howard Sons Ltd
Located in London, GB
A magnificent and very rare antique burr walnut desk by Howard & Sons. This desk is of the highest quality. It was made in England by Howard and Sons, it dates from the 1860-1880 per...
Category

1860s British Victorian Antique Howard Sons Ltd Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Desk by Howard Sons
Antique Burr Walnut Writing Desk by Howard Sons

Antique Burr Walnut Writing Desk by Howard Sons

$4,067
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Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Twin Pedestal Partner Desk with Brown Leather Top
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Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Twin Pedestal Partner Desk with Brown Leather Top
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Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Desk
Located in Astoria, NY
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Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Desk
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Lovely Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Cushion Drawer Brown Leather Partner Desk
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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Lovely Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Cushion Drawer Brown Leather Partner Desk
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French Marquetry Slant Top Ladies Writing Desk, Circa 1780
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French Marquetry Slant Top Ladies Writing Desk, Circa 1780

French Marquetry Slant Top Ladies Writing Desk, Circa 1780

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Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk in Walnut by Stanley #2
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Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk in Walnut by Stanley #2
Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk in Walnut by Stanley #2

Mid Century Walnut Writing Desk in Walnut by Stanley #2

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H 30 in W 46 in D 18 in
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Located in Bridgeport, CT
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Antique Faux Bamboo Writing Desk
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H 30.13 in W 36.75 in D 26.25 in
Victorian Burr Walnut Davenport Writing Table Desk - C. 1870
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
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Victorian Burr Walnut Davenport Writing Table Desk - C. 1870
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Victorian Burr Walnut Davenport Writing Table Desk - C. 1870

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H 33.47 in W 22.05 in D 22.45 in
Custom, English Walnut Burl Writing Table
Located in Woodbury, CT
This beautiful George II style executive writing table/desk in burled walnut features a uniquely shaped top, cabriole legs with acanthus carved knees and deeply carved claw and ball ...
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21st Century and Contemporary English Georgian Howard Sons Ltd Desks and Writing Tables

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H 30.75 in W 66.5 in D 36.5 in
Previously Available Items
Antique Victorian Walnut Pedestal Desk by Howard Sons
By Howard Sons Ltd
Located in London, GB
A top quality antique Victorian solid walnut desk by renowned cabinet makers Howard & Sons. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1870-1890 period. It is extremely well...
Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Howard Sons Ltd Desks and Writing Tables

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Leather, Walnut

Antique Victorian Walnut Pedestal Desk by Howard Sons
Antique Victorian Walnut Pedestal Desk by Howard Sons

Antique Victorian Walnut Pedestal Desk by Howard Sons

H 29.93 in W 44.89 in D 24.02 in
19th Century English Victorian Burr Yew Writing Table
By Howard Sons Ltd
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
A good quality burr yew, tulipwood banded and gilt brass mounted bureau plat by Howard & Sons, remaining in good condition, showing very minor losses and wear commensurate with age a...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Howard Sons Ltd Desks and Writing Tables

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Yew

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
By Howard Sons Ltd, Howard and Sons
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We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely handmade in England by Howard & Son’s of Berners Street London twin pedestal partner desk with hand dyed brown leather top A very go...
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19th Century English Victorian Antique Howard Sons Ltd Desks and Writing Tables

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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
Antique French Louis XV Revival Cylinder Bureau Howard Sons, 19th Century
By Howard Sons Ltd
Located in London, GB
This is a gorgeous antique French Louis XVI style kingwood bureau a cylindre, in the manner of Riesener, bearing the ivorine label of the renowned retailer and cabinet maker Howard &...
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1880s French Antique Howard Sons Ltd Desks and Writing Tables

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Ormolu

Antique French Louis XV Revival Cylinder Bureau Howard Sons, 19th Century
Antique French Louis XV Revival Cylinder Bureau Howard Sons, 19th Century

Antique French Louis XV Revival Cylinder Bureau Howard Sons, 19th Century

H 42.13 in W 35.44 in D 19.69 in

Howard Sons Ltd desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Howard Sons Ltd desks and writing tables 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 and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables by Howard Sons Ltd were created in the Victorian style in united kingdom during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks and writing tables by Holland Sons, Edwards Roberts, and Gillows of Lancaster London. Prices for Howard Sons Ltd desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,177 and can go as high as $8,975, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,759.
Questions About Howard Sons Ltd Desks and Writing Tables
  • 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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