Posted 8 years ago
gocgrace1
(1 item)
This vintage writing desk has a nice patina on Oak wood? There is a lock on the pull out desk table and drawer, but was purchased by a family friend that purchased it from an antique dealer in SF Bay Area without the key. The dealer could not provide any other details to her.
The exterior fold out desk has a horizontal crack in it, but it remarkably still holds solid. The age of the wood may indicate it was made in the 18th century or early 19th century, but the hinge looks original. There seems to be some screws replaced. There are 2 pockets that exist on each side for files or office correspondence. The rear right foot is shorter and chipped off. There is an insert with a little drawer for little things like pens or other small desk accessories. The back side of the desk has the identification markings: W. OAK Dr - x No. 654 which I cannot find any other like this desk anywhere. I do not know who the manufacturer is based on this information. I have had this desk in my home for over 12 years, took great care of it and everyone likes it saying how unusual it is. I would like to know if anyone might know about this piece and the history about this piece.
The Measurements/Dimensions:
Length: 32 inches Width: 15.25 inches Height: 40 inches
Fold out desk length (Extended Front to Back): 27.5 inches
It seems that I have collected 2 other similar and unusual pieces that I will post soon for solving their mystery! Thanks for checking this desk out!
Thank you all for loving this piece! I love it, too! Still curious all these years to find out the history of it...
The keys for these little desks are fairly common and your local Antique Dealer should be able to find you a key that fits. Most of the dealers that I know will lend you a pack of them to try until you find the right one. It is probably a tubular key. It just completes the desk which has "Character". BOB
Hello LOUMANAL, Thank you for your great advice for the key! I can agree with you this desk does have "Character". :-) I'll start following up to get a key with Antique dealers in my area.
Great little desk-- looks very useful today.
The design of the desk, drawer construction (nailed lap joint), and stencil on the back all indicate 20th century construction.
Thanks for sharing!
scott
Hi Scott,
Wow! Thank you for your feedback and giving me such valuable information about the drawer construction! It is functional, even to this day, which makes me happy. I love this piece of history! Thanks again for your help!
Glad to help-- forgot to add: the stencil MAY help in running down a maker.
The wood is W(hite) Oak and the production number of the piece is "Desk No. 654".
scott
Using the back label to search, I found the Cron-Kills Co. out of Piqua Ohio that produced a Lady's desk N0. 654.
I couldn't find a reference picture, but it is described as 32 inch width. If your desk is the same size, it is a good avenue to continue to research.
scott
Scott, you ROCK! Thank you soooo much!
Glad to help-- does the measurement match for the width?
scott
Wow! I really love this one. I'm not sure why you would need two Laptop pockets ....... hmm, maybe those are magazine holders.
I have seen a lot of desks but never on like this one. Even the cubby holes have a cool look. What are the two boxes where your knees would go? Are they secret hiding places?
Hi Scott, I went out for awhile. I just measured the desk. From the side pocket to the other side pocket, it is EXACTLY 36" inches. Hmmm...
Hi AZTom, I agree this desk is a unique one! I couldn't find a thing like it in any antique shop or on the internet. To answer your question, those little compartments must be secret ones, because they are soooo hard to open!!!
Thank you Nicefice for the love! Much appreciated! :-)
Thank you Caperkid for the love!
HERE IT IS! On Page 30 of their 1905-06 catalogue! "# 654 Weathered Oak, non portable"
https://archive.org/stream/catalogofladiesd00cron#page/30/mode/2up
Cron-Kills catalogue, I mean!
The two 'boxes' near the knees are cabinets. Looks like the knobs are removed on this ^^ one, but the hinges are there if you look closely. The picture of it brand new is in the cataloge in the link ^^ there. Or here
https://archive.org/stream/catalogofladiesd00cron#page/30/mode/2up
Hmm - I was wondering what the non-portable meant. Look at the LAST page in the cataloge some came with the legs detached, to be screwed in by the buyer. Early IKEA!
Whoa! Thank you Celiene! I did notice the Non-Portable statement. The two compartment boxes have very small holes, which I never really noticed until now. Never opened them too much because it has some very strong super magnets on them. Opening them up only to clean and dust then do light lemon oil treating the desk. I could not even the catalogue! You're very persistent and I thank you so much for your help!
You are welcome! Use that Amish Wood Milk - great stuff.
Wow, I am so happy to have found this thread! A friend gave me an antique secretary she no longer wanted a few years ago and I have been trying to identify it off and on since that time. The only identifying info I've had is on the back, "Maple Desk 716 615." And now I've also found my desk in the Cron-Kills catalog! Thank you Scottvez! My desk is #615 white maple with bird's eye maple veneer. It has a "French Bevel Plate Mirror" on top and extremely wobbly legs. The "portable legs" feature has explained that.
It has been extremely awesome to also discover the desk in a 1905 catalog as I live in a home also built in 1905!
Thanks also -everyone- for the helpful comments throughout the thread. Now maybe I can locate a key too.