The desk was made of a dark mahogany wood, with a glossy finish that made it appear quite elegant. It had two drawers on either side, as well as two cabinets with small metal handles at the top that could be opened and closed.
The legs and sides of the desk were adorned with a delicate carved pattern that made it stand out from other pieces in the room. The surface of the desk was covered with a green felt material, which provided a smooth writing area and made it comfortable to write on.
What is an old roll-top desk worth?
The worth of an old roll-top desk can vary greatly depending on its age, condition, style, size, and type of wood or metal used. It is possible to find a decent antique roll-top desk in decent condition for around $100 – $200 dollars, while a more antique version with more intricate details and special features can be worth as much as several thousand dollars.
Identifying the age and quality of the desk is an important first step in determining its worth. Identifying the type of wood used, such as oak, walnut, rosewood, mahogany, etc. is also important. Other things to consider are the condition of the finish and any special details, carvings, or engravings.
Also, if the desktop and roll-top both roll easily and without sticking, that adds to the value.
Ultimately, it comes down to the individual buyer and seller and the degree to which both are willing to negotiate. Therefore, it can be difficult to get an exact price for an old roll-top desk without seeing it in person.
How do I know if my roll-top desk is antique?
Determining if a roll-top desk is an antique can be challenging, as there is no specific date or style that definitively indicates it is antique. Generally, roll-top desks date back to the late 1800s, and they continued to be a popular item through the 20th century.
It can be helpful to look at the construction materials, as antique roll-top desks are often made of solid wood such as oak, cherry, or mahogany. Check for dovetail joints and solid wood panels, both of which are more indicative of an antique piece.
Additionally, look at the design of the slats, which should all move together within the roll-top mechanism. If they are all connected, your desk is probably antique. Lastly, it is important to look for any brand marks and examine any details, such as steel hardware, lock, and mechanisms.
All of these elements can help you identify the age of your roll-top desk.
When did they stop making roll top desks?
Roll top desks stopped being popularized in the early 20th century, but they did see a resurgence during the mid-20th century. During this “second wave” many models were produced with up-to-date furniture design and finishes.
Some of the most famous are the Liberty Roll Top Desks that were produced in the late 1950s. During this period roll top desks were very popular as they provided a neat and space-saving alternative to the traditional wardrobe armoire.
Around the 1970s, roll top desks started to decline in popularity due to the emergence of modern office furniture and the need for more streamlined, efficient desk designs. However, some manufacturers are still producing these classic staples to this day, albeit in limited numbers.
Typically, modern roll tops feature a combination of traditional cabinet making and modern finishes, as well as softer lines and curves for a contemporary look. Roll top desks have maintained their traditional charm, and today they are often used as a decorative accent piece rather than a functional desk.
How heavy is a roll top desk?
The weight of a roll top desk can vary depending on the specific material, size, and design of the desk. Generally, a full-size roll top desk can range from 150 to 200 pounds, while a small roll top desk can be up to 70 pounds.
It is best to check the exact size and weight of the specific roll top desk to determine the exact weight.
How do I identify an antique?
Identifying an antique can be a difficult task, and there can be no hard and fast rules when establishing the age and origin of an item. However, there are some guidelines that can help you narrow down your search.
First, look at the condition of the item. Antiques typically show signs of age, such as wear and tear, minor hairline cracks, and signs of use. These can all be telltale signs that an item is truly old and not a modern reproduction.
Next look at the construction of the item and the materials used to make it. Both antique and modern items may be made of wood, but antique pieces will often have been constructed using mortise and tenon, hand-cut dovetail or hand-forged iron joints.
In addition, antiques may be made with materials that are not commonly used today, such as bone or ivory, or hand-woven fabrics.
It can also be useful to consider the style or aesthetics of the item. If it resembles something that was popular in a particular time period, then it could be a valuable antique. Additionally, inspect the piece for any markings or labels that may indicate the item is an antique.
Some items, such as furniture and artwork, may include maker’s marks or stamps that identify the artisan and the date it was made.
Finally, it can be helpful to consult an expert. Professionals who specialize in antiques, such as antique appraisers or dealers, can help with more complex pieces and provide additional insight. Checking with a reputable source can help you to be sure that you’re making a sound decision.
How do roll top desks work?
Roll top desks work by having a hinged lid that can be ‘rolled’ down over the desk’s surface. The roll top desk can be opened by pulling the hinged roll-top away from the desk, in which case the desk’s surface is exposed.
This model of desk was originally intended to provide a secure area for confidential documents and writing supplies. Inside the roll-top are different compartments that can be used to store paperwork and writing supplies.
When completely closed, the top of the desk is completely hidden, making it difficult to access the contents of the desk. Because of the secure nature of a roll top desk, they have been used by governments and past presidents as a secure means of storing confidential documents.
Additionally, they have also been used in classrooms, libraries, and offices to provide organization to the working space.
Are roll top desks still popular?
Yes, roll top desks are still popular today. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they offer an impressive amount of storage and organizational options. Refinished roll top desks are especially popular, as they combine the convenience of modern touches with classic charm.
Due to their original purpose as a home office piece, roll top desks often contain a variety of compartments and drawers. This allows you to store items both large and small while simultaneously segregating them into neat sections.
Additionally, the slatted panels on a roll top desk work to conceal organizational items and keep them both private and neat. This can be especially helpful if you’re short on space in a home office.
The user-friendly design of roll top desks also provides added versatility. The top of the desk can be opened or closed as desired, thus maximizing available real estate. This makes it a great choice for students, bloggers, and other professionals who work from home or need an accessible yet discreet place to work.
In conclusion, roll top desks are an attractive, multi-purpose option for the home office. They provide ample storage and organizational opportunities, while balancing the need for a neat workspace with the desire for a tasteful design.
What are the dimensions of a roll-top desk?
The exact dimensions of a roll-top desk vary depending on the make and model of the desk, as well as the size of the top, drawers, and other features. However, generally speaking, a roll-top desk is typically between 45 and 54 inches in width, and anywhere from 24 to 32 inches in depth.
The total height of a roll-top desk is usually between 47 and 53 inches. Many of these desks feature a sloping top that can be raised or lowered with sliding panels, which can add additional inches to the overall height of the desk when fully extended.
The size of the roll-top compartment can range from 10 to 18 inches in height.
When did roll top desks come out?
Roll top desks first came into popular usage in England during the mid-19th century, though the exact inventor of this style of desk is unknown. The first known roll tops were made by various skilled cabinet makers in London and the surrounding cities, and then spread to the rest of the United Kingdom as well as Europe and America.
These desks were very popular as they provided more surface area to work on, usually with a series of compartments and drawers on either side. They were particularly useful during the industrial revolution due to their ease of mobility and convenience.
During the late 1800s, roll top desks became widely used in the United States in both homes and businesses. They were typically constructed of solid oak with brass hardware, and had keys to lock away documents and correspondence.
Interestingly, the style of the lock on these types of desks became popularly known as the “tambour lock”.
Roll top desks remained popular into the early 20th century, though they began to take a backseat to more modern designs of office furnishings. Today, this classic style of desk is still made by a few manufacturers and it has been newly popularized for a new generation.
It’s a style of desk that is still built for the same reason that it was first developed – convenience and minimalism.
How can I make my roll top desk slide easier?
To make your roll top desk slide easier, there are a few potential steps you can take. First, inspect the track along which the roll top slides. Wipe away any build-up of dust and dirt with a cloth, paying particular attention to the corners and crevices.
Then, use a damp cloth to apply a lubricant such as furniture wax to the track. This will help reduce friction and allow the roll top to slide more easily. Additionally, remove any screws from the track and ensure that the screws are tightened securely but not too tightly.
Finally, adjust any platens or pressure plates as needed in order to ensure a secure fit in the track and to make the sliding motion simpler and smoother.