Roll top desk - vintage

Details About Your Roll-Top Desk

• Category: American Furniture
• Material: Solid wood (see photos for particulars)
• Size: 54" wide, 51" tall, 34" deep
• Condition: Excellent overall; one drawer bottom needs reattaching. Original lock/key hardware intact. Small black stain on desk surface.
• Date Period: Circa 1940s
• Weight: Unknown
• History: Purchased in 1966 when it was already over 20 years old. Believed to be American-made, with no visible maker’s markings.
• Location: Brooklyn, NY

History of Roll-Top Desks

Roll-top desks, popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are iconic pieces of American office furniture. By the 1940s, these desks were crafted with practicality and durability in mind, often featuring compartmentalized storage, deep drawers, and a sliding tambour (roll-top) cover. This desk aligns with mid-20th-century styles, characterized by clean lines and sturdy wood construction.

The lack of a maker’s mark isn’t uncommon, as many regional manufacturers produced desks in this style during the 1940s. The original hardware and overall condition make this piece particularly appealing to collectors.

Estimated Value

• Estimated Value Range:
  • In its current condition: $800–$1,500
  • If repaired and restored (drawer and stain): $1,500–$2,000
• Factors Influencing Value:
  • The desk’s excellent condition, including original hardware and functional tambour cover, increases its value.
  • Its mid-century production date makes it desirable to buyers looking for vintage furniture rather than true antiques (over 100 years old).
  • The lack of a maker’s mark slightly reduces its appeal compared to branded pieces like Globe-Wernicke or Sikes.

Recommendations

• Preservation:
  • Clean the wood gently with a soft cloth and suitable furniture polish to maintain its shine.
  • Address the small stain on the desk surface with professional wood restoration techniques.
  • Reattach the drawer bottom with appropriate adhesive or nails to restore functionality.
• Research Further:
  • Check for subtle markings on the back or underside of the desk to identify the maker.
  • Compare similar roll-top desks from the same era on auction sites like eBay, 1stdibs, or Etsy to refine pricing.
• Appraisal and Selling:
  • Reach out to furniture appraisers or local antique dealers for a professional evaluation.
  • Sell via platforms like Chairish, 1stdibs, or Craigslist (for local buyers).
  • Highlight the original hardware and excellent condition in your description to attract serious buyers.

Final Thoughts

Your roll-top desk is a beautiful piece of American craftsmanship with excellent preservation for its age. It holds both functional and decorative appeal, making it valuable to collectors and vintage furniture enthusiasts. Regardless of whether you decide to restore it further or sell it as-is, it’s still a nice addition to any space.