Posted 7 years ago
csqueen
(2 items)
We bought this item from an older gentlemen who had it sitting in his shop for several years. He said his neighbor, who has now passed away, had given it to him. He knew no history about the piece, just that it had been too large for his house. We assumed it was a desk, but have been unable to find anything else like it. We've found vintage teacher desks that look similar, but nothing that is this large. It does sit rather low and has children's stickers and crayon markings on the inside of the top drawers. Maybe a school desk? We've also wondered if it's some type store counter. We cannot find any type of maker markings. We love it and have no plans to get rid of it, but would really like to know what it is. If you have any information, we would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
It does look like 2 Gov't workers could sit at this desk which would work as a counter, super find !~
You didn't give dimensions but the eight legs and multi panel construction might be telling the story. Years ago there was a brain storm and a business began. It is called Virginia Correctional Enterprises. It was started to teach inmates a trade in a effort to prepare them to go back in main stream life. Many states have done the same thing, however, VCE is the only place I ever saw a desk this size produced and have only ever seen a couple of them. This is an older design and I believe it would be called a double pedestal overhang desk. I can't say it was made there, only that I have seen similar desks produced there that were constructed in a similar fashion.
The piece is 30 1/4 H x 31 3/4 W x 109 3/4 L The height is noticeably lower than most desks I've seen.
I would lay some ruff 1 x 10 x 10 boards on top and have a sweet work bench....lol
very nice find...
I hope you’re still on here checking messages! I have HALF of your “table”. I have all the metal tags, etching, and numbers etc. I was searching for it and saw your post. I will see if I can post pics on here. If not, hopefully you can get in touch with me; as I’m trying to learn more about my desk, too. I inherited it from my mom, which loved antiques! Thanks for your post!
“U. S. E.D 76” metal tag
Dove tail drawers. One of the drawers has a round sticker/seal thing.
Old locks on two top drawers.
Engraving(s):
1) says “ US-CE-C” (under metal tag, on the face of desk)
And
2) says “U.S. E.C”. FYI the last two letters are ambiguous, but LOOK LIKE “E.C”.
Lastly,
There’s a numbered “tag” of sorts with a number. The number reads “49808”
The drawer handles and shape are identical to yours.
And I have crayon markings underneath the desk top as well.
Let’s are also identical.
It all looks 100% government, as someone mentioned.
Please let me know your thoughts anyone. (I can’t paste photos I guess?!) thanks
S.CEC