A mid-twentieth-century teak desktop pigeonhole organiser, originating from Chandigarh, India.

The design follows the tradition of practical wooden office equipment used in British administrative buildings during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Similar forms of letter sorters and pigeonhole organisers continued to be used in offices throughout the twentieth century, and it is possible that this design represents the continuation of an earlier British administrative tradition in post-independence India.

Constructed from teak, the organiser features a stepped arrangement of open compartments for sorting correspondence, documents and paperwork. It was designed to be used in the horizontal position, as photographed, although we have also used these organisers standing upright, an arrangement that works equally well.

Of particular interest are the surviving original institutional markings. The side bears the impressed marking ‘HDPR 7’, while a circular ink stamp, apparently reading ‘COS PB / E.S.E’, is also present. The letters ‘COS PB’ may refer to the Controller of Stores, Punjab, a government office associated with the procurement and distribution of equipment. Although this interpretation has not been confirmed, the markings suggest an institutional history.

This example was purchased in Chandigarh in 2007, together with two others of the same design. All three have remained in our collection since purchase and have been used in our home and office over the intervening years. Despite specialising in furniture originating from Chandigarh since 2007, we have not encountered another example of this particular design.

The organiser has developed excellent patination throughout, with rich variations in the colour and surface of the teak. Scratches, marks and areas of wear reflect its many years of practical use, giving the piece considerable character. The timber has been carefully cleaned and lightly waxed, preserving the original surface, patina and institutional markings.

An unusual and practical example of Indian administrative office furniture, equally suited to use on a desk or in a study, or appreciated as an object of historical interest.

Available to view at our West London showroom by appointment. Additional high-resolution photographs and condition information are available on request.

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