In order to tell how old a roll top desk is, you should first look at the type of hardware used (hinges, locks, knobs, etc. ) and the type of wood used in the construction. Older roll top desks will typically have a patina of wear in the wood and metal hardware, as well as some marks that demonstrate the age and quality of the construction.
Looking for hand-carved details in the wood or metal is another good sign of a roll top desk that is older.
There are also some tell-tale signs of a roll top desk that is from the late Victorian period, such as curved angled legs, boxwood stringing, brass handles, and inlayed dovetail corners. Other clues of an older roll top desk could be the presence of rosewood, ebony, or mahogany.
Finally, examining the locking mechanism of the roll top desk is also an indication of its age. Older desks will typically use a warded lock, a pin tumbler lock, or an old-style pin and barrel lock. These locks will usually have a significant amount of wear and tear on them, which can give you an idea of the age of the furniture.
When did they stop making roll top desks?
It is difficult to pinpoint an exact date when roll top desks ceased to be manufactured, as the prevalence of the universal design has fluctuated over the years. It is likely that production of roll top desks has been in decline since the 1970s, with a significant drop off in the 1980s and 1990s due to the advent of computers.
The popularity of the roll top desk remained through the early 2000s, although much of the production shifted to larger companies overseas. Going further into the 21st century, it’s likely the production of roll top desks ceased, as they became less popular with the increased use of laptops, tablets, and other digital devices.
In addition, advances in manufacturing and printing technology meant that flat-top desks were much more common and less expensive to produce than the detailed and intricate construction of a roll top desk.
Overall, while an exact date is difficult to determine, it can be assumed that production of roll top desks has declined significantly since sometime in the 1970s, with a likely cessation at some point in the 21st century.
What is an old roll top desk worth?
The value of an old roll top desk will depend on a range of factors, including the age, condition, design, and material of the piece. In general, older pieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries are the most desirable and can be worth more than $1,500.
Pieces from the late 19th century, particularly those crafted in the Empire and Queen Anne styles, can be worth more than $3,500. However, even a desk from this era that has significant wear and tear can be worth less than $500.
In most cases, desks from the early 20th century—1900 to 1930—are worth significantly less than those from the late 19th century. This is because they are usually made of more affordable materials like oak, walnut, rubberwood, and mahogany and often include more modern designs.
Desks from the early 1900s have a more functional construction and may not have elaborate carving or design details. They are usually worth between $250 and $1,200.
Finally, desks from the mid-20th century—1930 to 1970—are usually worth the least. These pieces are generally made of inexpensive materials like wood veneer, plywood, and laminate, and they usually have a more simple and functional design.
Most mid-century roll top desks are only worth around $50 to $200.
Are roll top desks still popular?
Roll top desks are still a popular choice for consumers who are looking for an elegant, timeless style for their workspace. They present a stylish, classic look that never goes out of fashion, and allow for a great deal of flexibility in terms of usable space.
They can also be an attractive feature in any room, as they offer unique and interesting designs. Roll top desks are available in a wide range of materials, styles, and sizes. As technology advances, manufacturers have begun to offer desks with built-in storage, such as drawers, shelves, or cubbyholes.
This is an ideal option for those who need to store a large amount of supplies on their desk. The use of laptop computers has increased the popularity of the roll top desk as well, as they provide a great alternative to traditional designs.
Many laptop desks are designed to fit beneath a roll top desk, while offering spacious surface area on top. As technology advances, more and more people are finding value in a roll top desk, as it provides an attractive and efficient workspace.
Where should a roll top desk be placed?
A roll top desk is a great addition to any home office or study space as it provides both maximum storage and style. When considering placement for a roll top desk, it’s important to find an area that not only looks good, but is also spacious enough to accommodate the desk and all of the things you’d like to store inside.
The ideal spot should have enough room to sit down and move around, so look for an area that offers plenty of space. Depending on the size of the roll top desk, consider placing it near a wall to maximize floor space instead of in the middle of the room.
Additionally, if you’re short on space, it’s also possible to install a roll top desk in a nook or particular area of the home. Keep in mind that it’s important to have adequate lighting when working on the desk, so be sure to choose a location with adequate natural light from a nearby window or install a task light above or next to the desk.
Ultimately, if you can find an area that meets your functional needs and that also reflects your individual style, it’s likely the perfect spot for your roll top desk.
How can I make my roll top desk slide easier?
Sliding a roll top desk can become difficult over time as dirt, dust, and debris can clog the tracks, or the wood itself can begin to warp and stick. To make your roll top desk slide easier, there are a few steps you should take.
First, you should use a brush to clean out any debris or dust that has accumulated in the tracks. You should then lubricate the tracks with a lubricant specifically designed for this purpose, such as beeswax or 3-in-1 oil.
Next, you should inspect the roll top desk to check for any warped or sticking wood. If you find any, sand down the areas and treat them with a wood conditioner or paste wax. Make sure to treat the entire roll top desk in this way, to ensure smooth movement.
Finally, you can use furniture sliders to help move the roll top desk along the tracks. These sliders can be placed between the roll top and the tracks to help reduce friction and make sliding easier.
By taking these steps, you should be able to make your roll top desk slide much easier. Regular maintenance and lubrication is key to keeping your roll top desk sliding without effort.
How do you remove a tambour roll top desk?
Removing a tambour roll top desk requires two people and significant patience, as it’s a labor-intensive process. Before you begin, empty the desk and remove any items on top of it, as well as all drawers.
To start, you’ll need to open the tambour and lift it off the tracks. Start by gently pulling the tambour closer to the desk’s back edge. Resist the temptation to forcefully yank it up, as this could damage the desk and make it harder to remove.
Instead, slowly and evenly move it a few inches at a time until it clears the back lip of the slide-rail.
Next, you’ll need to disconnect the tambour from the roll rail. To do this, locate the screws attachin the tambour rail and unscrew these. Once the screws are removed, carefully separate the tambour from the rail – you may need to use a flat-head screwdriver to help pry the rail out of place.
Now, you can start to unbolt the desk from the wall. Carefully turn the bolts counterclockwise – be sure to hold the desk securely while doing this, as it may start to move. Once the bolts have been removed, have one person hold the desk securely while the other carefully slides it away from the wall and onto the ground.
Finally, you’ll need to move the desk to its new location. Due to the weight of the desk and its awkward size, you’ll likely need more than two people to move it – have some friends or family members help.
Wrap the desk in blankets to protect it during the move, and consider using a dolly or furniture moving straps for further safety.
Can I paint a roll top desk?
Yes, you can paint a roll top desk. However, you’ll need to prepare the surface of the desk before you can paint it. Start by sanding the desk with 100-150 grit sandpaper to get rid of the old lacquer and any dust, dirt, or other residue.
Once you have sanded the entire surface, you can then apply primer and let it dry. Once the primer has dried, use a roller designed for painting furniture to apply your paint in even strokes. Allow the paint to dry before you apply a top coat to seal the paint, and you will have a beautiful, newly-painted roll top desk.
What are the dimensions of a roll top desk?
The dimensions of a roll top desk can vary depending on the style, though most are around 70 inches wide, 36 inches deep, and 45 inches tall. Atypical roll top desk will feature a base of 34-42 inches high with a sloped top about 62 inches wide and 28 inches deep when opened.
The depth of the desk when closed typically ranges from around 16-20 inches depending on the size of the roll top opening. The slides used to keep the roll top in place also add to the height when opened and can range from 6-14 inches.
Other features, such as hidden compartments, can add extra depth to the desk if specified.
What is a tambour top?
A tambour top (also known as a tambour door) is a type of door that is characterized by a wooden slat that is hinged at the bottom and fits into grooves in the door frame. This type of door is typically seen in cabinets, closets, and other storage units.
The slats can be either drawn up or pushed down to open and close the door. Tambour tops originated in 18th century Europe, where they were typically made from wood slats and canvas fabric. Nowadays, modern tambour tops can be made from a variety of materials such as metal, plastic, fiberglass, and even real wood.
Tambour tops are one of the simplest and most popular types of door available, and are a great choice for storage units because they are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and offer great sound insulation.
What is an antique desk called?
An antique desk is typically referred to as a bureau. Bureau is a French term for “desk” and is often used in a variety of settings, from antique dealers to enthusiasts. Bureaus may have drawers, a roll-top, or other compartments for storage.
They may be made of mahogany, walnut, oak, or other kinds of wood. The style of a bureau can vary from the ornate, like a French-style writing desk with intricate carvings, to the simplistic, like a ladder-back bureau with fewer features.
Bureaus typically have a large working surface, a slanted lid that lifts up for additional surface area, and drawers or cubbies to store books, documents, notebooks, and stationery.
How do I know if my desk is an antique?
First, look for a manufacturer’s label or tag that identifies the exact make and model. This information can help you get an idea of how old the desk is and how much it might be worth. If you can’t find such a label or tag, you can look for details that indicate the era of the desk.
Often, handcrafted pieces will have unique designs, curves, or knobs that can help you identify the time period. You should also look for evidence that the desk has been refinished or repainted, as this will greatly reduce its value.
Lastly, research similar models and compare them to your desk to get an idea of its age and value.
How do I know how much my furniture is worth?
To determine the value of your furniture, there are several methods you can use. The first step is to identify the type, style, and condition of the furniture in question. Once you know these details, you can start to evaluate its worth.
One option to consider is conducting a visual assessment. This involves taking your furniture and seeing how it compares to similar items that are for sale either online or in stores. This will give you an idea of how much you could sell your furniture for.
You should also look into doing some research on the make, model, and age of your furniture. Checking out the current market rate for similar items and seeing what comparable pieces have recently sold for is a great way to get a better understanding of your furniture’s value.
Another option is to bring in the expertise of an appraiser. Professional appraisers use specialized knowledge and experience to provide an accurate assessment of the worth of furniture and other items.
They can also provide valuable insight into the value of rare or antique pieces.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to remember that the value of any furniture item will depend on several factors—including age, condition, and market forces. Doing your due diligence before selling or buying any used pieces is essential for understanding the true worth of your furniture.
How can you tell if furniture is vintage?
Determining if furniture is vintage can be tricky. Generally, vintage furniture is defined as furniture that has been in existence for more than 20 to 30 years. However, some pieces of furniture, such as mid-century modern furniture, are considered vintage even if they are fewer than 20 years old.
In order to identify vintage furniture, it helps to look for certain characteristics that are associated with a period in design history. Pay close attention to the type of wooden material used in the construction, the type of veneer, and the types of joints used.
Additionally, look for details in the piece of furniture; brass pulls, decorative carvings or turned legs are all classic details found in vintage furniture. Also, look for maker’s marks or labels; often an indication of the age of the furniture.
Finally, it is important to remember that vintage furniture generally has some wear, tear, chips and fading. These signs of aging are not signs of damage but signs of a piece of furniture that has withstood the test of time.
In conclusion, there are several ways to tell if a piece of furniture is vintage. Examining the type of wooden material used, the type of veneer, the types of joints used, details in the piece of furniture, maker’s marks or labels, and signs of aging can all help indicate that a piece of furniture is vintage.
How can you tell an antique?
Antiques can be identified in a variety of ways. One of the most reliable methods of determining the age and worth of an item is to consult an appraiser, who can confirm its age and value based on a variety of factors.
Other methods of identifying antique items include examining the materials they are made from, looking for signs of wear and tear, such as chips and scratches, and looking for signs of aging, including discoloration or fading.
Additionally, you can assess the workmanship involved in making the item, to see if it is of a higher quality than is common for the present day. It can also be helpful to familiarize yourself with the popular antiques of the time period in which it was created, to assess if the item fits the criteria of the time.
Additionally, you can research it online, to gain more information about when it was made and by whom. By utilizing these methods, you can gain a better understanding of an item and assess whether it is an antique or not.
What was the roll-top desk made of?
The roll-top desk is typically made of hardwoods like oak or cherry. It often features an abraded surface that gives it an antique or vintage look. It can also have metal inlays or metal work on it. There is typically a compartment with multiple tiers and drawers on the side of the desk.
The top of the desk may house slots or cubbies and small drawers, and there is a roll-top that slides up or down to expose or hide different compartments. This roll-top is often made with panels of wood, plexi-glass, or metal.
Some of the more elaborate and expensive roll-top desks will have intricate carving or marquetry.