Old partner's desk from the Al Ringling mansion in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Blueprints for the mansion were stored in the desk. Not sure if it was Al Ringling's desk.
Category
American Furniture
Medium
Wood
Distinguishing marks
I haven't found any marks though to confess I haven't looked behind the drawers or underneath.
This is a 19th-century partner’s desk, likely American-made, constructed from solid hardwoods—possibly mahogany or cherry with burlwood veneer drawer fronts and original dark hardware. The desktop includes a leather or faux-leather writing surface inset, typical of high-end desks from the Victorian or Edwardian era.
The desk includes:
Double-sided drawer access, indicating a true partner's desk style
High-quality construction with carved skirt, paneled sides, and dovetail joints (assumed, but confirmable by checking drawer interiors)
Brass or cast iron drawer pulls with ornate escutcheons
An object of probable late 1800s craftsmanship, consistent with furnishings from grand homes of the Gilded Age
Provenance and Historical Context:
The desk was found in the Al Ringling Mansion in Baraboo, Wisconsin, an important Gilded Age residence built in 1905 by Alfred T. Ringling, one of the founding brothers of the Ringling Bros. Circus.
The blueprints of the mansion were stored in this desk, which strongly suggests its original or early placement in the mansion.
While not yet confirmed as personally owned by Al Ringling, its presence in the mansion and association with original architectural documents enhances its historical and collectible value.
Condition:
Excellent condition based on photographs: no visible damage, minimal wear, original hardware intact, and surface finish preserved.
The leather inlay appears well-maintained or possibly restored.
Distinguishing Marks:
None located yet, but hidden marks may exist behind drawers or under the frame. These might include:
Maker’s stamps or labels
Serial numbers
Craftsmen signatures or furniture house marks
It’s worth examining the drawers, underside, and interior backs with care.
Estimated Market Value:
Taking into account:
Style and craftsmanship
Condition
Rarity of true antique partner desks
Provenance from the Ringling Mansion
Market trends in American antique furniture
Estimated Appraisal Value: $3,500 – $6,500 USD (Potentially more if maker or confirmed provenance to Al Ringling is established)
Recommendation:
Due to the potential historic and museum-level interest, I recommend:
Professional appraisal by an antique furniture specialist, preferably one with Gilded Age or circus memorabilia expertise
Investigation of provenance through mansion archives, family records, or historical inventories
Avoid refinishing or modifying the piece in any way to preserve collector value
If confirmed as personally used by Al Ringling, the desk’s value could increase significantly for private collectors, museums, or institutions interested in circus history or American mansions.
Interested in history behind…
Interested in history behind these type of desks and the value.
Antique Partner’s Desk from the Al Ringling Mansion
Item Description:
This is a 19th-century partner’s desk, likely American-made, constructed from solid hardwoods—possibly mahogany or cherry with burlwood veneer drawer fronts and original dark hardware. The desktop includes a leather or faux-leather writing surface inset, typical of high-end desks from the Victorian or Edwardian era.
The desk includes:
Provenance and Historical Context:
Condition:
Distinguishing Marks:
It’s worth examining the drawers, underside, and interior backs with care.
Estimated Market Value:
Taking into account:
Estimated Appraisal Value: $3,500 – $6,500 USD
(Potentially more if maker or confirmed provenance to Al Ringling is established)
Recommendation:
Due to the potential historic and museum-level interest, I recommend:
If confirmed as personally used by Al Ringling, the desk’s value could increase significantly for private collectors, museums, or institutions interested in circus history or American mansions.