Mahogany Writing Table – Bean Shape – Edwardian Period – Circa: 1890-1900

The “drop” handles are in finely chased gilt bronze, and the locks are signed (see photo) by Alfred Charles Hobbs of the London firm Hobbs.

It stands on eight tapering square legs enhanced by eight bronze sabots.
The writing surface is in cognac leather.

Period: Late 19th Century – Edwardian period
Circa : 1890-1900
Dimensions: Height: 72cm x Width: 77cm x Length: 135.5cm
                      Tray thickness: 2.8cm
Signature on the locks: HOBBS – LONDON 

Alfred Charles Hobbs (1812 – 1891) was born in Boston, in the United States. In 1840, he became a salesman for one of the leading American lock manufacturers, Jones & Newell. He travelled to London for the Great Exhibition of 1851 and caused a sensation by successfully picking both a Bramah lock and the famous Chubb sensor lock.

On the strength of his new-found fame, he set up a company in London, officially registered as Hobbs & Co. The company went through several incarnations, becoming Hobbs, Ashley & Co in 1855, then Hobbs, Ashley & Fortescue and finally Hobbs, Hart & Co in 1860, based in Cheapside, London. They enjoyed great success using advanced mechanical production methods.

In 1860, Alfred returned to America after the death of his partner Ashley. He had never intended to stay in Britain and was therefore happy to sell the successful business to John Mathias Hart, while retaining a beneficial interest in it. He returned to England in 1872 to celebrate the company’s 21st anniversary.

Alfred Hobbs died in 1891.