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Spinet Writing Desk

Profile picture for user AJ Stiyling
By AJ Stiyling, 11 May, 2025
Description

Possible colonial manufacturing company.

Category
American Furniture
Medium
wood
Distinguishing marks
numbers on the underside. See photos.
Condition
Excellent
History
Was mothers
For Sale?
Yes
Photos
Profile picture for user AJ Stiyling

AJ Stiyling

1 month 1 week ago

Would like to know the value…

Would like to know the value of this Spinet Writing Desk. Thank you for any help. The item is for sale in the Richmond Virginia area. 

No votes yet
Profile picture for user NaidaTheCollector

NaidaTheCollector

1 month 1 week ago

In reply to Would like to know the value… by AJ Stiyling

Selling Options in Richmond, VA

Selling Options in Richmond, VA

Here are several venues where you can consider selling your antique desk: While I have not personally used any of these companies before, these are only suggestions, so please do your own research and due diligence.

1. Gates Antiques Ltd.

Specializes in 17th to early 20th-century American and English furniture. They offer appraisal, repair, and conservation services.

  • Location: Midlothian, VA
  • Website: gatesantiques.com

2. West End Antiques Mall

One of Richmond's largest antique malls with over 250 booths, offering a wide range of antiques and collectibles.

  • Location: Richmond, VA
  • Website: westendantiquemall.com

3. Izzie's Consigning with Grace

A consignment store that carries a variety of furniture, including antique pieces.

  • Location: Richmond, VA
  • Website: izziesconsignments.com

4. Revival Consignment

Offers a curated selection of vintage and consigned furniture.

  • Location: Richmond, VA
  • Website: revivalconsignment.com

5. Goodstuff Consignments

An eclectic antique store with a large inventory, including furniture.

  • Location: Bon Air, VA
  • Website: goodstuffconsignments.com

6. Cannon's Auctions

Specializes in online estate auctions and personal property sales, including antiques.

  • Location: Richmond, VA
  • Website: cannonsauctions.com

đź’ˇ Selling Tips

  • Photographs: Take high-quality images from multiple angles, highlighting unique features and any maker's marks.
  • Documentation: Gather any provenance or purchase history, if available.
  • Appraisal: Consider obtaining a professional appraisal for insurance purposes or to provide potential buyers with verified information.
  • Pricing: Be open to negotiation, especially if selling through consignment or auction houses, which may take a commission.
No votes yet
Profile picture for user NaidaTheCollector

NaidaTheCollector

1 month 1 week ago

Antique American Spinet Writing Desk

Description:
This is a beautiful early- to mid-20th century American spinet-style writing desk, crafted in solid wood, likely mahogany or walnut. It features a flip-top lid that opens to reveal a concealed writing surface and inner compartmentalized storage with small drawers and cubbies, mimicking the look of a spinet piano. The piece includes three external drawers—two on each side and a central drawer beneath the desk surface—along with finely turned legs, a hallmark of Colonial Revival style.

Category:
Antique American Furniture

Origin & Maker:
Although no maker's label is visible, stamped numbers such as “23” and “C22” (seen underneath the drawer and base) suggest a factory or batch manufacturing process, typical of reputable Colonial Revival furniture makers between the 1920s and 1950s. Possible manufacturers include companies like Colonial Manufacturing Co., Drexel, or Hickory Manufacturing, known for quality reproduction furniture during this era. If confirmed, this would place the desk in the Colonial Revival period (c. 1930–1950).

Condition:
The desk appears to be in excellent original condition, with minor wear consistent with age. The wood finish looks well-preserved. All mechanical elements (sliding drawers, hinged writing lid) appear intact and functional. There is some minor internal surface wear but nothing that detracts from value.

Dimensions:
Estimated from image scale (please confirm for precision):

  • Width: ~40–45 inches
  • Height: ~30–32 inches
  • Depth: ~18–22 inches

Distinguishing Features:

  • Flip-top concealed writing compartment
  • Hidden inner cubbies and drawer
  • Colonial turned legs
  • Period-correct knobs
  • Stamped numbers underneath

Historical Context:
Spinet desks were popular in early America and saw a revival during the Colonial Revival movement. The design appealed to mid-century homeowners who valued traditional aesthetics paired with modern functionality.

Fair Market Value (Retail):

  • Estimated Range: $250 – $500 USD (based on condition, age, and comparables from online antique dealers, Etsy, and LiveAuctioneers)
  • Auction Value: $150 – $300 USD
  • Insurance Replacement: $600 – $750 USD

Recommendations:

  • Professional Appraisal: If you plan to sell at a higher-end antique venue, or insure it, a formal appraisal from an accredited antique furniture expert is recommended.
  • Preservation Tip: Keep out of direct sunlight to avoid fading, and use beeswax polish occasionally to preserve the finish.
No votes yet
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