Antique Desk & chair

This is a European-style antique desk and chair set, possibly of Spanish or Portuguese origin, acquired over 50 years ago from a historical hotel in Portland, Oregon. The desk features intricate carvings, decorative brass or iron fittings, turned legs, and a fold-down writing surface, making it resemble a Bargueño desk, a popular style from the 16th-18th centuries in Spain. The chair, with its carved details and turned wood elements, complements the desk in both style and era.

Historical Context

• Bargueño desks originated in Spain during the Renaissance period, evolving through the 17th and 18th centuries. They were known for their ornate craftsmanship, hidden compartments, and sturdy construction.
• The elaborate designs, combined with portability, made them highly sought after by nobility and wealthy merchants.
• Given its provenance from a historic hotel, this desk may have been part of a grand interior setting.

Distinguishing Marks

• The dotted stamp on the underside of a drawer could be a maker’s mark, inventory number, or an export/import mark from a certain time period.
• The red drawer knobs and intricate carvings suggest a revival or reproduction piece rather than an original 16th-17th century example.

Condition

• Excellent: The desk and chair appear structurally sound with minimal wear considering their age.
• Surface Wear: Expected minor scuffs, scratches, or fading on wood and hardware.
• Functional: The desk’s compartments and drawers are intact and usable.

Estimated Value

• $2,000 - $5,000 USD (auction estimate, depending on market interest)
• $3,500 - $7,500 USD (retail price from a specialized antique dealer)
• If Provenance is Confirmed: If further research establishes a direct link to a famous maker or hotel, value could increase by 20-50%.

Professional Appraisal Recommendation

For a more precise valuation, I recommend consulting an expert in European antique furniture. You may consider:

1. Antique dealers specializing in Spanish or Baroque furniture.
2. Auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Christie's, or Bonhams for historical verification.
3. Furniture historians who can identify the dotted stamp and confirm its authenticity.

List Of Potential Dealers Specializing In Spanish Antiques

• Revival Antiques – Specializes in Spanish Revival antiques, including furniture, lighting, and architectural elements.
  Location: 527 S Fair Oaks Ave (at E California Blvd), Pasadena, CA 91105
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• Early California Antiques – Focuses on Spanish Colonial and Revival furniture, offering a range of art and furnishings from the Iberian Peninsula.
  Location: 4302 Melrose Ave (West of Vermont), Los Angeles, CA 90029
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• Melissa Levinson Antiques – Provides a curated selection of European antiques, with an emphasis on Spanish and Italian pieces.
  Location: 164 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
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• David Neligan Antiques – Features a wide range of 17th to 19th-century English and European furniture and decorative arts.
  Location: 38 Main St, Essex, MA 01929
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• Daniel Stein Antiques – Specializes in fine Baroque furniture and antiques, offering expert advice and a curated selection.
  Location: 458 Jackson St (Montgomery), San Francisco, CA 94111
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• Buena Vista Furniture – Family-owned store specializing in Spanish and Mexican designs, featuring handmade solid hardwood furniture.
  Location: Los Angeles, CA 90032
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What a great piece, it's in the Spanish Revival style, popular during the 20's-30's. This one is a reproduction of a 17th-18th Century Spanish "Varqueno", a type of desk. You don't see many of these around, comparable examples even at auction often sell for $500.00 to over $1500.00. During the 1920’s – 1930’s world-class examples of Spanish Revival architecture were being built by the leading architects of their time. Furniture manufacturers
quickly realized the need to furnish these homes with appropriate styling and reproduction Spanish Revival furniture became an important line for many furniture producers.