Featured Antique pedestal writing desk

I would appreciate any help in estimating the era, style and possible value of this desk. The dovetailing appears to be handmade (uneven). I am considering restoring it and gifting it to my daughter and partner. I would like to know what I have here before making the investment. Thanks a lot!

 

Looks to be early 20th century, probably mahogany. The unusual concave center drawer is attractive. Probably mahogany. Not worth more than $100 in this condition in the U.S. midwest, but could be gorgeous if restored (including the missing pulls).

 

Thanks for the feedback. I tried searching the internet for information on pedestal desks. Could not find one with a concave center which brought me to this site. I think it will make a lovely desk once restored, I’ll probably go for it. Thanks again.

 

Hello and welcome to the boards.

Not a pedestal desk, but a keyhole desk.
https://www.google.com/search?clien...VB7qwKHQNmAGQQ4lYIJigA&biw=1375&bih=908&dpr=1

I'd estimate age to be about 1930s-40s.

Value in its present condition is minimal.
If you are thinking of refinishing, this thread might be of interest to you.
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/vintage-dresser.34419/

 

I think they are called pedestal desks when the two side cabinets are on plinths (pedestals) rather than feet.

 

The deep concave center drawer sets it apart from the ordinary desks of this type. I think it would be rather striking finished to bring out the beauty of it's mahogany. Also, most desks of this era are rather well made...

 

Well you know us Americans. We hear what we want to hear. Since we don't like to be kneed, we go around keying everyone.

 

My desk is made of three parts, the top section sits unattached on the two pedestal\cabinets with drawers. Correct, cabinets are not on plinths (had to look that one up . Thanks for your reply

 

i spent quite a bit of time looking on the web and couldnt find anything similar. Still a bit of a mystery regarding its origin. I think i will restore it nontheless. Thanks

 

Hi,
It will look wonderful when restored. My SIL had an old wooden desk in her laundry room painted white which she used as a sorting table. I told her it was a beautiful desk and needed refinishing. A year later she asked me if I wanted to redo it so I agreed. Took it home and was going to start stripping off the paint when I noticed a red mark on the back apron. If turned out that I did not strip the desk since it was a Stickley!!!!! I called my SIL and suggested she turn it over to an auction house. Again she thought I was crazy but when the auction house gave her 3 thousand for the desk she damned near died. When it was professionally restored it sold for 8 thousand. It was in the house when she bought the house.
greg

 

I love that story.

 

Is it common for desks to come apart like that? Just trying to learn. I like the style of the desk.

 

I have a kneehole/keyhole desk that comes apart like that, two cabinets and a top.

Mine is not antique, it is MCM. I have it for sentimental reasons. The office my father worked in when I was a child had exactly the same one. So when I found mine for a bargain, I had to have it. I completely forgot I had been searching for an antique one. But it still brings a smile to my face every time I walk into my study.

 

yes. also in use as campaign furniture and aboard ships where the stairs are too narrow if in one piece.

 

Interesting fact!

Mine is not antique, it is MCM. I have it for sentimental reasons. The office my father worked in when I was a child had exactly the same one. So when I found mine for a bargain, I had to have it. I completely forgot I had been searching for an antique one. But it still brings a smile to my face every time I walk into my study.[/QUOTE]

 

[/QUOTE]
I still wonder that there shouldn't be a proper name for these.
makes me think of bank halls where counselers or bank tellers can serve two people at the same time.

 

I have one that is a roll-top desk as well. The top comes off and sits on stacks of drawers on both sides. I had to totally rebuild the roll-top portion, but now it is a beautiful thing. Bought it for $10 at an estate sale.