Victorian Washstand, Sink by Peerless, Writing Desk

What a very cool piece of Victorian metamorphic furniture!  This may look like an Eastlake writing desk, but in actuality, it is a solid cherry washstand with a hidden porcelain sink with water tank.  This piece retains its original label and was made by Peerless and called the Reservoir Washstand which was patented in April, 1878.  The fancy carved crest is hinged below the top shelf which drops forward to expose the tin lined reservoir.  This is where gallons of water would be stored for eventual use.  The slant lid has a burgundy colored (not pink) velvet writing surface.  Given that washstands and lady’s desks were located in bedrooms – how clever to combine the two into one piece.  The lid lifts up to reveal its original white marble surface and porcelain bowl.  By pressing down on the nickel plated knob, water is released form the back reservoir through the decorative spout moulded into the bowl.  Now that’s indoor plumbing in its infancy!  The sink even retains its original stopper and chain.  The water drains through a pipe located inside the 2 cabinet doors.  Here you would store a bucket or container to catch the waste water.  Below the marble top are 2 small hand dovetailed drawers having their original fancy cast brass pulls.  Note the deep, ornate carvings on the panel between the drawers and on the fronts of the recessed paneled doors.  The doors retain their original lock.  Additional bold carvings are exhibited on the front corners of the cabinet.  The washstand rests on its original casters.  Amazingly, this appears to have hardly been used.  The finish is original and in exceptional, near perfect condition.  It has the richest color and most desirable patina.  What a fabulous example of Victorian ingenuity, innovation and workmanship.