Summary:
• Circa: 1910
• Period: Edwardian
• Wood: Solid walnut
• Provenance: USA
• Item: 5ft Roll Top Desk
• Cabinetmaker: Horrocks Desk Company (Herkimer, NY, USA)
• Width: 5ft
• Stunning comprehensive interior
• Freestanding / centre room desk
• “S” shaped design
• Solid fielded walnut panels
• Original interior turned knobs, foliate handles & cut-in label holders
• 34 internal drawers
• 8 Internal open compartments
• 2 pull out writing slide supports
• 8 graduated drawers to pedestals
• Original cardboard alphabetical files
• Large filing drawer (right pedestal)
• Central modesty board
• Working lock and key
• Excellent condition
• Dismantles for easy transportation
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-days UK returns policy
Description:
Here is an exhibition quality antique American Edwardian solid walnut 5ft wide freestanding roll top pedestal desk, circa 1910, made by Horrocks Desk Company (Herkimer, NY, USA), with a stunning comprehensive interior, in excellent condition. The desk has been constructed from the best quality walnut and the exterior of the desk features good quality pronounced fielded (bevel edged) walnut panels. Rolltop desks were usually constructed of oak; as this is constructed from walnut, it makes it a rare and desirable desk. The number of small drawers within the top section of the desk denotes the quality of the desk and status of its owner. This desk boasts 34 internal drawers and 8 vertical pigeonholes to the top section.
Constructed with an “S” shaped design to the top section, this 5ft roll top desk was designed to be freestanding in the centre of a room. The sliding tambour can be lifted up to reveal a bank of internal drawers and compartments. The interior houses 34 internal drawers, 18 of which incorporate label holders. The original labels are missing; therefore, a replacement set has been faithfully reproduced to match the old set (see photos). The new labels feature several extra options, to best suit the user’s needs. If extra labels are required, including new category names, these can be produced for no additional cost. The internal drawers feature their original turned knobs, whilst the larger alphabetised internal drawers boast foliate carved handles. 4 of the 6 carved handle internal drawers retain the original alphabetical files (see photos), which suggests this desk was made by Horrocks Desk Company (Herkimer, NY, USA). Incorporated into the bank of drawers are 8 pigeonhole compartments, ideal for storing paperwork, letters and other accoutrements, with a “cubby hole” below, in the centre.
When the sliding tambour is pulled down and secured using a later barrel lock, with working key, this will lock the top section (the drawers to the pedestals will still be accessible). The original tambour lock and key are in working order.
The desk stands on two large pedestals, which incorporate a bank of graduated drawers. The bottom right drawer features a large open filing drawer. The drawers retain their original, ornately carved walnut cup handles. Sitting on top of each pedestal are two large pull-out-writing slides, ideal for organising additional paper work around you, whilst you work. There is a solid walnut fielded panel modesty board in between the two pedestals at the back of the desk. The desk dismantles into three main sections for easy storage or transportation.
This 5ft roll top desk is a truly classic example of grand American roll top desks from the early 20th century period. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed is second to none. It is rare to see an example, which is not only missing no drawers, but is also in excellent original condition, with such a large number of drawers.
The desk features a mellow walnut colour. It has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. This truly is a very beautiful item with quality construction and is original throughout. It is rare to see one in such good condition.
This desk would look superb in a variety of rooms from the work place to the home office. The desk would certainly grace any home or office and is a great investment, as it is extremely functional. So, don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Provenance:
You can find our more details regarding Horrocks desks, by clicking on the following link:
https://herkimer.nygenweb.net/herktown/stanfurniture.html
Condition Report:
The desk is in excellent condition and is in complete working order. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges, but nothing significant considering its age. There are no ink or water stains or scratches to the main desktop work station. There are old use marks to the tops of the writing slide supports and insides of the drawers (some ink stains in drawers). The tambour incorporates a later working barrel lock, with a working key. When the sliding tambour is pulled down and secured using the original lock and working key, this will lock the top section (the drawers to the pedestals will still be accessible). There are no splits in the tambour (which again, is common in these types of desks). The desk boasts all its original internal label holders and turned knobs. While none of the original labels exist, an updated, extended set of labels has been faithfully reproduced; these are brand new and free from damage. Additional labels, including ones with new category names, can be supplied at no extra cost. The desk has been French polished in our workshops. It is rare to see a roll top desk displaying such quality and in such good condition. This item is well made, solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
External height = 126.8cm or 49⅞” or 4ft 1⅞”
External width = 152.5cm or 60” or 5ft
External depth = 92cm or 36¼” or 3ft 0¼”
Writing height = 76.5cm or 30⅛” or 2ft 6⅛”
Writing width = 142.5cm or 56⅛” or 4ft 8⅛”
Writing depth = 59.3cm or 23⅜” or 1ft 11⅜”
Knee height = 61cm or 24” or 2ft
Knee width (pedestals) = 66.5cm or 26⅛” or 2ft 2⅛”
Knee width (at plinth) = 64.4cm or 25⅜” or 2ft 1⅜”
Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.
Ref. 36616