Lift-Top Gaylord Library Table

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Lift-Top Gaylord Library Table

Manufacturer: Gaylord Bros., Inc. (Syracuse, NY and Stockton, CA)
Date Period: Circa 1960–1970
Medium: Hardwood (likely oak or walnut veneer over solid wood)
Dimensions: Not specified (assumed standard library size ~36–42" wide)
Condition: Good – with some surface wear, one nick on the upper right corner, all original parts intact
For Sale: Yes

Description and Identification

This is a vintage lift-top library table produced by Gaylord Bros., Inc., a historically significant company known for manufacturing high-quality wood furnishings and supplies for libraries, especially in the mid-20th century. The company operated from Syracuse, NY, with a secondary manufacturing or distribution facility in Stockton, California, both of which appear on the metal nameplate affixed to the table.

The table’s lift-top design was typically intended to house library card catalog trays, typewriters, or projector equipment, offering a functional yet elegant design suited to institutional use. The clean lines, tapered legs, and utilitarian build are consistent with mid-century modern design aesthetics.

Historical Significance

Gaylord Bros. was a key supplier to libraries across the U.S. for over a century, and their furnishings are considered reliable, purpose-built, and often collectible today among academic furniture enthusiasts and MCM (Mid-Century Modern) collectors. This piece likely served in a public or university library and now stands as a functional accent or collector’s piece.

Value Estimate

Valuation Context

Estimated Value (USD)

Retail (Vintage Furniture Shop)

$150 – $250

Private Sale / Craigslist / eBay

$100 – $180

Auction (General/Online)

$80 – $150

Insurance Replacement Value

$300

Factors Affecting Value:

• Original hardware and finish
• Maker’s tag in excellent legible condition
• Lift-top mechanism still functional
• Slight wear and a single nick noted, but no structural damage
• Regional historical relevance (Gaylord was a major West Coast and East Coast supplier)

Recommendations

• Selling: Clean gently and consider minor restoration (e.g., polish, surface scratch touch-ups) to boost market appeal. Market as a "Mid-Century Modern library table with lift-top – made by Gaylord Bros."
• Preservation: Avoid refinishing if selling to a collector, as original patina can enhance value.
• Usage: Could be repurposed stylishly as a laptop or entry table, adding value to a modern interior.

Authentication

The brass nameplate and lift-top structure are consistent with known Gaylord Bros. furniture. While the company no longer makes this model, they were one of the most widely used library furnishing companies in the U.S. throughout the 20th century. This table is an authentic example of their institutional-grade craftsmanship.