'THE COX DESK', A RARE AND IMPORTANT AUSTRALIAN COLONIAL TWIN PEDESTAL DESK, NEW SOUTH WALES, CIRCA 1845

the rectangular top inset with leather, cross-banded cedar veneer and thumbnail moulded edge, a central drawer flanked by three graduated drawers to each pedestal, original locks and turned knobs, raised on eight squat turned legs

This desk has been traced to the descendants of William Cox of the pioneering Cox family. The desk was originally owned by Charles Clarendon Cox (1831-1878) grandson of Captain William Cox to Charlotte Elizabeth Cox to Minna Claredon Cox to Beryl Kraus (nee Cox) to The Rustic Charm to John Buttsworth to Rustic Charm to the Multiplex Group 

General condition fair, and original, slight fading to timber throughout, the leather inset top is worn, crack to timber at one end and small cracks to the other end
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

History:
Captain William Cox was appointed paymaster of the New South  Wales Corps in 1788, he arrived in the colonies in 1799.  He settled at Claredon near Windsor and became a successful landowner and sheep breeder. Governor Macquarie appointed William Cox to build the first road over the Blue Mountains, and he is best remembered for succeeding in this enormous task. He had only thiry men and the constructed 163km of road in six months. Governor Macquarie then granted Cox 2,000 acres beyond the ranges. He died in 1837

Reference:  Australian Colonial Furniture, A Guidebook by John Buttsworth. Collection sold at Sotheby's November 1987. The Rustic Charm Commemorative Collection of Fine Colonial Furniture