Time period, style of desk?

Any information would be helpful. An item I found on marketplace, have not purchased but the seller has this picture posted and I can't seem to find anything similar. The drawers are missing in the photo but are available.

 

Eastlake walnut desk ca. 1890-1910. A bit unusual, but as our 18th century furniture expert James says, society is now digital, not paper, oriented. Demand for desks is falling, so be sure to get a good price on this if you're going to make a purchase.

 

Absolutely! Prices on 18th-century desks have fallen off a cliff in recent years, doubt it's much better for 19th-20th examples.
If you have a need for one, BINGO! you hit the JACKPOT! They are a very good buy these days but, I'd be careful about the price though.

 

Thank you to you both! I find it beautiful, just trying to figure a place for it given its size. As you both mentioned price, would you give an opinion on what a fair price for such a desk would be? The seller listed around $250. I felt given the quality it was worth that but I could be wrong. Also, I don't want to assume but would a piece like this be of solid walnut?

 

BINGO! suspects that is a major reason demand is way down, nothing like having a large immovable paperweight around the house!
It LOOKS like walnut but can't tell if it's poplar stained to look that way.
Wait for Ghopper & Brad on price, $250. sounds OK to me but I could be wrong about that.

 

I'd offer $175 and go up to $200.

 

I'd get dumb looks, but maybe these days it would sell. Everyone and their grandmother is homeschooling a kid and desks are back in again.

 

I'm going to disagree with value here. . .this desk has some serious condition issues. Including this portion, which has definitely been replaced with plywood.



Before investing $200+ in it I would check it over for other anomalies, such as the condition of the drawers that aren't pictured.

 

I was going to say the same as wiscbirddog.

Condition is not good. Looks like the top is removable. Not sure an original Eastlake desk would have that type of top.
The top to me doesn't match the bottom
@Ghopper1924 @James Conrad @verybrad


Hardware missing.

 

Yeah .... something doesn't look quite right to me. I don't necessarily see plywood but that top looks like a surround was made for an insert. The main top also could be a replacement. Is something missing at the bottom? Seems like it should have some feet. Should be about 30" from floor to work surface. If short, something is missing.

 

Drawer pulls look old. The top may be an add-on, but the O.P. obviously likes the piece, and $175-$200 is not unreasonable for a functioning desk. Perfection at that price is unlikely, even in today's market.

 

Yep, agree with all the above, could be cobbled together with a different top. Still, for $200 bucks as Ghopper says, you can't expect a pristine example.
If I was buying it, I would want to see it in person before pulling the trigger on this one, it's the best way to negotiate on price as well.

 

I agree with clutteredcloset49 - the top portion doesn't go with the bottom. It is a poor marriage of 2 different desks.

 

Thank you all for the input! It is very helpful. As the drawers are not even pictured, I figured I would be looking it over in person. I could not find much in the way of comparison in searching so all that is said above could be possibilities. As also expressed, I am not looking for perfection. You all have provided great information and much to consider!

 

I wouldn't put a kid in front of this desk....they need space...not cubbies..

 

@Kathryn Barnes
The more I look at this the more I think it was never a desk.

Considering Brad's comment that the base is missing, I think this is part of a sideboard/buffet base.
I cannot find a knee hole Eastlake desk. They all have drawers.
The top was not original to this.


With the base missing, you as an adult will not be able to sit at it. It would be suitable for a child.
If you are going to pay to refinish this, it isn't worth it.
If you intend to paint it and it will suit your purpose, I would offer $125 on the basis that it is incomplete and a mismatch.
If all you want is the base or the top, I would only offer $50-75.

And that is only if the drawers are in decent condition.

 

Good points all! When it comes to american antique desks, it's a BUYERS MARKET! No need to rush into anything, take your time as there are many for sale at very reasonable prices.
This one just arrived in my inbox this morning, estimate $200-400
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-...mail&utm_campaign=keywordalertlive&utm_term=2
Pennsylvania William & Mary pine desk on frame circa 1740 with slant lid, turned legs and stretcher base

 

@clutteredcloset49 I completely agree. The more I look at eastlake pieces, I feel it was something else. Do you think, given its base, this could have been an organ?

My intent was not to use as a sitting desk but a side/ storage piece. I would not paint it, I'm sorry I don't believe in that. I would rework it myself, but your comments do make me very cautious on what I would pay.

 

No, large drawers would serve no purpose on an organ.

 

I agree. This looks like a marriage.