Beautiful Vanity/Desk

Overview

This beautiful piece is a vintage solid wood vanity or writing desk, likely produced between the 1930s and 1950s. Its style, craftsmanship, and features suggest it was manufactured during the late Depression-era into the early postwar period, when ornate, hand-finished furniture was still mass-produced in American workshops.

Key Identifying Features

• Stenciled Marking: “No. 91-1/2 Vanity” — this kind of stenciling is typical of mass-produced pieces from American furniture manufacturers during the early 20th century.
• Construction:
  • Dovetail joints: These appear to be machine-cut, which supports a post-1920s manufacture date.
  • Minimal screws: Indicates traditional craftsmanship methods, with possibly glued and doweled joints.
  • Stapled back panel: A clue that it may have been manufactured toward the 1940s–1950s, when power staple guns came into use.
• Design Details:
  • Cabriole-style legs with shell and acanthus carvings — reminiscent of Queen Anne or Chippendale revivalstyles.
  • Highly figured veneer (possibly flame mahogany or crotch mahogany).
  • Brass hardware with ornate escutcheons and detailed round pulls.
• Secret/Hidden Compartments:
  • Middle drawer features a lift-lid storage box with a recessed brass pull.
  • Right-side top drawer has a concealed back drawer — these kinds of hidden compartments are prized by collectors and were sometimes found in vanities or desks intended for valuables or cosmetics.

Material

• Likely mahogany or cherry veneer over solid hardwood core.
• The inner structure (drawer boxes) appears to be constructed from oak or poplar, which was a common practice.

Function

• Originally designed as a vanity, but can be used as a writing desk today.
• Evidence of removed mirror mounts on the back suggests it once had a mirror.

Estimated Date

• Based on joinery, design, and materials: circa 1935–1950.

Current Condition

• Overall good to very good.
• Original finish appears to be intact with nice sheen.
• Some surface wear and minor scratches consistent with age.
• Hardware appears original.
• Unique inner compartments are functional and in good shape.

Estimated Market Value (2025)

Market Type

Estimated Value

Local estate sale

$150 – $300

Online vintage platform (e.g., Chairish, Etsy, eBay)

$300 – $600+ (with good photos and delivery options)

Fully restored retail antique store

$700 – $950

Note: Value increases significantly if the original mirror is found and intact, or if the wood is confirmed as crotch/flame mahogany.

Authentication & Recommendations

• This piece was likely manufactured by a mid-century American furniture company — possibly one based in Grand Rapids, MI, Jamestown, NY, or North Carolina, where many anonymous but well-made vanities were mass-produced.
• While it does not bear a maker's mark, the “91-1/2 Vanity” model number could be traceable with further research in vintage furniture catalogs or through online collectors’ forums.

Conclusion

You own a well-crafted, vintage solid wood vanity/desk from the 1930s–1950s. Its charming style, unique compartments, and quality materials make it both functional and collectible. It is not a museum-grade antique, but it is highly desirable among lovers of vintage and traditional furniture

If you’re ever considering professional resale, a furniture appraiser or auction house specializing in mid-century traditional revival styles would be ideal for authentication and higher valuation.