Q&A

How much is an old secretary desk worth?

How much is an old secretary desk worth?

Authentic antique secretary’s desks range in value from $500 to more than $30,000, but you may be able to find one at an online auction site or a local estate sale for $200 to $400.

What is an old secretary desk?

A secretary, also called an escritoire, is a specific type of antique writing desk that has some very practical features. It’s one of the most common types of antiques desk you will encounter in antique stores or auctions. A secretary desk is a piece that has a writing surface that folds or drops down when in use.

How much is a Larkin desk worth?

often is called a Larkin desk by collectors, but it is also called a side-by-side secretary or a bookcase desk. It was made circa 1910, but unfortunately the prices of most oak furniture have suffered a downturn in recent years and the insurance replacement value of this piece is currently $1,800 to $2,200.

What era are secretary desks from?

The antique drop front desk, or often called a side by side secretary, is a late 19th Century Victorian period furniture invention.

What is a Wooton desk worth?

“The Wooton desk, for anybody collecting late 19th century furniture, this is one of the ultimate pieces you would have.” Melchert asked for $14,500 and ultimately got pretty close to that with a final accepted offer of $13,500.

How much is a Chippendale desk worth?

Do they have any value? Bohemians antique furniture sold an early American Chippendale style desk in September of 2019 for about $1600. Antique Desks of this caliber can range from $1000 to $6000 depending on the condition, style, and any historical provenance with supporting evidence.

How do I know if my secretary desk is antique?

Look carefully at the bottom, sides, and back of the drawer; if the wood shows nicks or cuts, it was probably cut with a plane, a spokeshave, or a drawknife. Straight saw marks also indicate an old piece. If the wood shows circular or arc-shaped marks, it was cut by a circular saw, not in use until about 1860.

What was a Wooton desk used for?

Wooton desks were the ultimate tool for the extensive writing, filing, billing, and storage that a gentleman of business in the days of yore would have been engaged in. They were the high tech filing systems of their time. First created in 1870, the design was patented by William S. Wooton and produced until 1884.

Who made the Wooton desk?

William S. Wooton
William S. Wooton was born in Ohio in 1835, and perfected his skills in furniture design at George A. Grant and Company of Richmond, Indiana. He established the Wooton Desk Company in 1870, opening an office for his staff of four at 115 East Washington Street in Indianapolis.

What is a Chippendale style desk?

Features of a Chippendale Secretary Desk All Chippendale furniture was generally made of solid mahogany wood, imported from the West Indies. Reproduction pieces will have been constructed of younger mahogany, which isn’t as dense and is grainier than the heavier mahogany.

What does Chippendale style mean?

Chippendale furniture is an American design originating in the 16th century. It is mainly characterized by the style of the legs and feet and is frequently made of a dark colored wood.

What is difference between antique and vintage?

In short, an antique is 100 yearsor older, while vintage is younger,though typically still prior to 1999. It’s a relatively simple distinction,but not necessarily as importantas you think it might be. The age of a piece doesn’tdirectly correlate to value.