A NEWLY-DISCOVERED desk has provided a fascinating insight into the customs of the 19th century.

Dating back to 1836, the desk belonged to the town clerk of Weymouth and was discovered on a routine house call.

The desk was sold for £100 at Duke's auctioneers, the auction house based at Brewery Square in Dorchester. The relic will remain in the local area and made available for public display in the near future.

Deborah Doyle, of Duke's, said: "This little table desk has little value as a table desk, but enormous value of local history. The label is dated November 30, 1836 and is in amazing condition, very clear to read. Also stuck behind this label is the remains of a handwritten ledger."

Merely a general office desk on first inspection, the interior of the lid still sports its original paper label, reading: "Reduction of Wharfage: Borough of Weymouth and Melcombe-Regis."

Further explanation is as follows: Table or Schedule of Petty Customs, or Wharfage Duties, payable by virtue of an Act of Parliament made and passed in the 6th year of Reign of His Majesty King George the Fourth, called "An Act to amend and enlarge the Powers and Provisions of several Acts relating to the Harbour and Bridge of the Borough and Town of Weymouth and Melcombe-Regis, in the County of Dorset."

The fees were charged to sea merchants for the goods, including livestock, they were delivering to the town. The list is endless: from four pence for a chaldron of coal and two pence for a quarter of beer to one shilling per cow, the desk provides a fascinating insight into how much has changed over the years. Tariffs for other goods such as earthenware pans, tobacco and wainscot boards are also included.

The label ends with a declaration stating "By order of the council H. H. Tizard, Jun. Town Clerk."

For more information about forthcoming items for auction at Duke's, see dukes-auctions.com