Posted 6 years ago
Jen_jenz85
(1 item)
I’m searching for some information on this lil table. Mum brought it from an antique dealer in Melbourne, VIC 1992. Apparently it’s 1930s-40s? The story is that it was free when brought with a set of encyclopaedias that were sold by a door to door salesman. I’d love to know if there is any truth to this! Iv spent hours searching the internet with no proof or similar tables found yet! It surely can’t be one of a kind! Someone out there must know something!?!... If it was sold with a set of encyclopaedias I’d love to track down that set!!
Not sure if this will be of help but will put it out there. I remember seeing similar stands during the 1950's & 60's. Any I ever saw had a huge dictionary on the top. You didn't move the dictionary you opened it and used it right there because it was very thick and heavy. When opened the dictionary would almost completely fill the top. I always assumed the dictionary was the reason the top was designed in the manner it was. I also seem to remember the dictionary was not free, it cost extra if you wanted it but they gave you the stand to keep everything together and in order. I know Sears started selling the encyclopedia's in the early 1930's.
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/263249540693395627/?lp=true
This is called an encyclopedia book shelf, I found three or four others with the same style - the top shelf sloped down. Also they're not very wide.
There were many bookcases actually made from encyclopedias.