Posted 10 years ago
Noscatch
(1 item)
I'm looking for any info on this oak partner table. It seems to be quarter sawn oak and a drawer signed 1922 but I can't find any other makers marks. I would like to know where/who it was made by. It is about 48"x60".
Could you tell me if the top can be lifted off or whether it is anchored to the base with screws? Many of these old desks the top just sat there without being anchored because they were so heavy they didn't need to be otherwise held in place. Many also had markings on the underside of the top. Stickley desks were normally marked inside the drawer and or on the back. Others were marked with a paper tag on back which might have been stapled on. Many, many mass produced desks were never marked. I might give this a bit more age but 1920's seems close based on the machine cut dovetails. The 2RT in pencil might make me question whether it is a bit older if it hasn't been added by a mover.
The top is not secured. I scoured the drawers and cabinets for markings and didn't notice anything on the top but will check again. I haven't seen anything like the inlay'd top. It is a partner desk as it has the drawers on each side. If government surplus there are probably a ton of them all over.
The top has to be removable or you would never get it through a doorway. On it's side it would still be way too heavy if it did fit the opening. I would say it is a common double pedestal desk also incorrectly called a knee pocket desk. I would venture to say it was reworked and a new top made. The 2RT in pencil tells me someone reworked and refit the desk. Phil is right about it being a common government type desk, even here in the USA. They were also used in schools during the 1950's.
I checked every nook and cranny and see nothing except the date and O Bless on two drawers. The desk is really looks like it is supposed to come apart. There are two spreaders that fit right in a slot. The middle drawers are missing. Is it something that would be worth rebuilding the drawers for or is it just a hodge podged desk? I found it at a garage sale and couldn't pass it up because it look so nice. But it is big!
It does look like It may have had brass caps on the feet as there is a slight line around each leg.
The following is the closest I can find to a match for it
https://www.harpgallery.com/showroom/item19669.html
I have the same desk. I have listed it currently on ebay with the information that we could find. It was really hard to find the date and what we should sell it for. It was my Grandma and Grandpas for many, many years and we are not sure where she got it from.
I have an identical one. Its by LEMCO furniture company around 1940. Your middle flat wide drawer is missing. This would have the maker's mark stamped on it. This is why you cannot identify it. Top typically is not attached, is very heavy, adn comes off for moving. Bottom is light if you remove the drawers. Fine desk! I refinished mine and its for sale if anyone is interested. Fully restored, and looks gorgeous in quarter sawn oak, gleaming in a satin very durable finish. Drawers glide like silk. All compartments and accessories are intact.