What is the point of a roll top desk?A desk full of small drawers, hideaways, and perfectly sized compartments with a top that could be closed to conceal any clutter was a delight for many and became a popular choice for small to medium-sized offices.
Are roll top desks out of style?A roll top desk will never go out of style. Even if they are not the most popular concept right now, there are still plenty of people that love the look and functionality of this terrific desk idea.
Are old roll top desks worth anything?Vintage roll top desks can be found in many price ranges. It is possible to find a vintage roll top desk at a thrift store for fewer than a hundred dollars; while at the same time a very high quality desk may be found at auction for well over ten thousand.
What is a roll top desk called?rolltop desk, desk with a sliding roll top, or tambour, that encloses the working surface of the upper part and can be locked.
What is the point of a roll top desk? – Additional Questions
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Why was the roll top desk a cheap one?
The ones he saw very costly, but this one came very cheap – because it was damaged. The roll-top was broken into pieces, one leg was awkwardly broken, and it had fire burnt marks on one side.
How do you keep a roll top desk from sticking?
Try reducing any high spots, using a chisel for the grooves, a wood rasp for the slats and a low-angled block plane for trimming end grain. Try another fitting, and if the tambour now moves more comfortably, rub paraffin along the edges to make for a smoother run.
What design style is a roll top desk?
A rolltop desk is a 19th-century reworking of the pedestal desk with, in addition, a series of stacked compartments, shelves, drawers and nooks in front of the user, much like the bureau à gradin or the Carlton House desk.
How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?
Check the desk for original locks stamped with a turn-of-the-century manufacturer’s name, such as Derby Desk Company, Schlicht Area Company, Shannon File Company or Cutler Desk Company. You might also find the name of the manufacturer underneath the desk, which could even include the date the piece was manufactured.
What is a piece of furniture called a secretary?
secretary, also called secretaire, or escritoire, a writing desk fitted with drawers, one of which can be pulled out and the front lowered to provide a flat writing surface. There are many variations to this basic design.
What is an old fashioned writing desk called?
Escritoire. An escritoire is a type of case furniture, usually a low desk with a slant top. When open, this sloping lid forms a surface for writing or reading (the name derives from the French word “écrire”, meaning “to write”).
How do you date an old desk?
How to Determine the Age of Antique Furniture
Look Past the Style of a Piece.
Examine Bottoms, Insides, and Backs.
Check for Perfectly Matching Elements.
Try to Figure Out What Tools Were Used.
Look at the Wood and Upholstery Fabric.
Investigate the Screws and Other Hardware.
How can you tell a real Davenport desk?
There is generally a row of drawers down one side, with false drawers on the opposing side, and the top is surmounted by a brass or fretwork gallery. Made to be freestanding, davenports are finished and polished on all four sides.
Why is it called a captain’s desk?
This desk, also called a ship’s captain’s desk, was originally made for a man known only as Captain Davenport, who originally commissioned it from the Gillows of Lancaster company near the end of the 18th century. This type of desk was extremely popular in the 19th century and especially in the Victorian era.
Why is a davenport desk called a davenport?
The term ‘davenport’ is first noted in Gillows’ Cost Books in the 1790s. Gillows were a prosperous cabinetmaking firm operating out of Lancaster and London from the 1730s to the 1840s. The term appeared in the phrase ‘Captain Davenport, a desk’ next to a design of it. This became one of their most famous inventions.
What is a Wooton desk worth?
“The Wooton desk, for anybody collecting late 19th century furniture, this is one of the ultimate pieces you would have.” Melchert asked for $14,500 and ultimately got pretty close to that with a final accepted offer of $13,500.
How do I identify a Wooton desk?
A brass handle and brass plaques, including one proudly proclaiming Wooton’s name and the desk patent date, decorated the doors. Each desk consisted of three parts: the central portion, with a drop writing board, and two paneled doors that swung out on brass hinges.
