Share your favorites on Show & Tell

antique writing desk with lid, rosewood?

In Furniture > Desks > Show & Tell and Furniture > Show & Tell.
Recent activity30704 of 237900Matchbox Dennis Refuse Truck 1964-1967Large White Pheasent Taxidermy
13
Love it
0
Like it

Daisy1000Daisy1000 loves this.
ho2cultchaho2cultcha loves this.
blunderbuss2blunderbuss2 loves this.
fortapachefortapache loves this.
CisumCisum loves this.
WatchsearcherWatchsearcher loves this.
JennyfromBostonJennyfromBoston loves this.
Alfie21Alfie21 loves this.
officialfuelofficialfuel loves this.
vetraio50vetraio50 loves this.
dav2no1dav2no1 loves this.
Vynil33rpmVynil33rpm loves this.
NewfldNewfld loves this.
See 11 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 3 years ago

    AnythingOb…
    (1778 items)

    Here's another thing rescued today -- this piece has been around somewhere in a (dark) corner nearby my life for nearly 20yrs, and I don't believe I ever really looked closely at it until today. I DON'T KNOW how that really happened -- looking at it while taking it to storage revealed in very short order that it is a WONDERFUL old thing -- something that's probably got to get itself to someplace actually *in the house* whenever I can maybe find a spot for it, because I suddenly now think I like it so much?!! ;-) :-)

    It is a seemingly beautifully made writing desk or secretary desk (is there a more proper term?) with a double hinged lid/cover, concealing a pull-out writing surface, two cubbyhole shelves over two lidded compartments on each side, and five drawers in the middle. It is all wearing its original dark varnished finish over a dark reddish wood color, I also didn't realize until seeing it in sunshine (in the rearview mirror, while moving it) that at least its outer cabinet appears to have rosewood graining t0 it, veneer at least. (I don't know and didn't examine it that closely) The legs are turned with wonderful carved-looking detail at their upper shoulders. Another surprise found when taking pics is the old label underneath it (pic 4) which I think reads "REVELL & CO CHICAGO FURNITURE RUGS AND DRAPERIES" with space for a number to be written on, I can't make out (yet) whether anything is written there or not. (and have not researched the store name)

    Once more, I don't have any kind of specific knowledge about its history, age, or style -- it strikes me as easily late 1800's/early 19's, but that's just guessing. Comments WELCOMED if anybody else can tell me something about it! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

    logo
    Desks
    See all
    ANTIQUE 19c DOBSON LONDON FOLDING TRAVEL SALESMAN LAP SECRETARY WRITING DESK
    ANTIQUE 19c DOBSON LONDON FOLDING T...
    $400
    Antique Secretary Desk
    Antique Secretary Desk...
    $100
    Vintage Roll Top Writing Secretary Desk Two Drawer High-Quality Brown Oak Wood
    Vintage Roll Top Writing Secretary ...
    $150
    ANTIQUE PORTABLE TRAVEL WRITING LAP DESK
    ANTIQUE PORTABLE TRAVEL WRITING LAP...
    $99
    logo
    ANTIQUE 19c DOBSON LONDON FOLDING TRAVEL SALESMAN LAP SECRETARY WRITING DESK
    ANTIQUE 19c DOBSON LONDON FOLDING T...
    $400
    See all

    Comments

    1. keramikos, 3 years ago
      AnythingObscure, I believe what you have would be classified as a spinet desk:

      https://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/article/20170317/lifestyle/303179760

      https://pressofatlanticcity.com/life/antiques-collectibles-spinet-desk-is-furniture-with-a-dual-purpose/article_201f59a3-48c6-559e-9822-77c2046c98d4.html

      The founder of Revell & Co.:

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Revell

      Possibly another picture of him:

      https://www.loc.gov/item/2014692142/

      Part of an Alexander H. Revell & Co. catalog:

      http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/10307.html

      All that desk probably needs is a little TLC, starting with some Murphy Oil Soap.
    2. fortapache fortapache, 3 years ago
      Looks perfect for a laptop.

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.