Desk single pedestal and swivel tilt chair

Item Overview:

• Type: Office Furniture Set – Single-Pedestal Desk with Swivel/Tilt Chair
• Wood: Solid quarter-sawn oak (desk and chair)
• Finish: Original or early refinish with warm patina
• Hardware: Wooden drawer pulls, no manufacturer marks found
• Estimated Period: Circa 1890–1910 (Late Victorian into Early 20th Century)
• Condition: Good (minor age wear, structurally sound)
• Provenance: Purchased used by owner’s grandfather in New York
• For Sale: Yes

Desk Description & Assessment:

• Form: Single pedestal with 4 graduated drawers and turned legs on the opposite side. This “teacher’s desk” or “clerk’s desk” style was common in schools, banks, and smaller offices during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Wood: Quarter-sawn oak is visible in drawer fronts and top grain. The rich ray flecking pattern is indicative of higher-quality oak used in furniture of that era.
• Construction: Dovetailed drawer joints (not visible in images but likely); round wooden pulls. The turned legs and modest skirt indicate transitional design between Victorian embellishment and Arts & Crafts simplicity.
• Condition Notes: No major damage visible; surface wear is age-appropriate. Drawers appear well-aligned and functional.

Chair Description & Assessment:

• Style: Press-back or captains-style office chair
• Mechanism: Tilt and swivel base with wooden frame (possibly iron hardware under seat)
• Seat: Hand-caned (excellent, tight weave condition); this work may have been restored or well-preserved
• Form: Contoured arms and decorative back spindle supports show high craftsmanship consistent with factory production in the early 1900s

Market Value Estimate (2025):

Item

Estimated Market Value

Single Pedestal Oak Desk

$350 – $600

Oak Swivel Cane-Seat Chair

$200 – $400

Combined Set Value

$550 – $1,000

Insurance Replacement Value

~$1,200 – $1,500

Note: Prices vary based on regional demand, shipping cost, and presence of any maker’s marks.

Authentication & Dating:

• Age Indicators: Turned legs, wooden pulls, solid oak, and hand-caning strongly suggest a manufacturing date between 1890–1910.
• Origin: Most likely made in the Northeastern or Midwestern U.S.—regions like Grand Rapids, Michigan, or Jamestown, NY were major producers of such furniture.
• Markings: Absence of identifying marks is common for regional manufacturers or pre-label production runs.

Recommendations:

1. Professional Appraisal (Optional):
   • If intending to insure or consign, consider an in-person appraisal through an ISA or ASA-certified furniture appraiser.
   • A museum-quality appraisal would require confirmation of joinery and underside construction.
2. Selling Options:
   • Consider listing on regional antique marketplaces, estate sale platforms, or high-end resale sites (Chairish, 1stDibs, or Ruby Lane).
   • Pairing the desk and chair enhances appeal and value.
3. Preservation Tips:
   • Use beeswax or oil-based polish occasionally to preserve oak.
   • Avoid placing under direct sunlight to prevent fading and drying.

Conclusion:

This is a well-preserved example of American office furniture from the turn of the 20th century. The combination of solid quarter-sawn oak construction, original drawer hardware, and a cane-seat swivel chair indicates quality craftsmanship typical of the 1890–1910 period. With the current market trend favoring functional antiques with a rustic aesthetic, your set is both a valuable collectible and usable heirloom