Are roll top desks worth anything?

Vintage roll top desks can be found in many price ranges. It is possible to find a vintage roll top desk at a thrift store for fewer than a hundred dollars; while at the same time a very high quality desk may be found at auction for well over ten thousand.

Are roll top desks out of style?

A roll top desk will never go out of style. Even if they are not the most popular concept right now, there are still plenty of people that love the look and functionality of this terrific desk idea.

What era are roll top desks from?

The rolltop desk was re-invented by Jacob Alles in Jasper, Indiana in 1879. “About 1760 Jean-François Oeben designed a new type of bureau: the original rolltop desk. The writing area can be covered by a shutter made of flexible slats, which is rolled round a cylinder hidden behind the top tier of drawers.

When did they stop making roll top desks?

The roll top desk fell out of favor in the early 1900s with the introduction of sleek glass and steel desks. Larger quantities of documents also made the small stacked drawers and mini-shelves impractical.

When were Oak Crest roll top desks made?

This is an antique early 20th century, Edwardian era, Arts & Crafts/Mission style, single 3-drawer pedestal and single off-center drawer, oak wood desk with s-curved tambour roll front that was produced by Ramsey-Alton Manufacturing Co of Portland, Michigan between 1905 – 1915 in their Oak Craft line.

Are roll top desks popular?

Like many pieces of furniture, the roll top has waxed and waned in popularity. Early on the amount of paper used in conducting personal and public business was limited but along came the typewriter and changed all that. Now we find we are using less paper due to the computer age and the desk is gaining in popularity.

Why was the roll top desk a cheap one?

The ones he saw very costly, but this one came very cheap – because it was damaged. The roll-top was broken into pieces, one leg was awkwardly broken, and it had fire burnt marks on one side.

When were Oak Crest roll-top desks made?

Why was the roll-top desk a cheap one?

How do I find the manufacturer of my roll top desk?

Check the desk for original locks stamped with a turn-of-the-century manufacturer’s name, such as Derby Desk Company, Schlicht Area Company, Shannon File Company or Cutler Desk Company. You might also find the name of the manufacturer underneath the desk, which could even include the date the piece was manufactured.

How do you refinish an oak roll top desk?

A roll top desk typically has many small drawers.

  1. Remove all drawers from the desk.
  2. Apply stripper to all wooden areas.
  3. Apply stripper to the roll top area.
  4. Scrap off the old finish.
  5. Sand the wooden areas.
  6. Stain the desk.
  7. Complete the project by applying a coat of lacquer over the stain.

Can you spray paint a roll top desk?

Apply a light coat of primer to the desk, using a medium paint brush and working from the top down. Keep the roll top in its hidden position so you can paint the desk’s inside and the bottom piece of the roll top. Apply primer to the drawer fronts, moving the brush from side to side. Allow the primer to dry.

Why did not the writer prefer to buy a new oak roll-top desk?

The roll-top desk was made of oak wood and it was what the author had wanted. But the desk was badly out of shape and needed repairs. The author knew that a new desk would cost him a fortune and so he decided to buy it.

Who noticed a roll-top desk in a junk shop?

(i) The writer found a roll-top desk in a junk shop. (ii) It was in a very bad condition. (iii) The writer had wished to purchase such a roll-top desk but it was costly. But the one that he found in the junk shop was cheaper.

What is a roll top desk called?

rolltop desk, desk with a sliding roll top, or tambour, that encloses the working surface of the upper part and can be locked.

How much does it cost to refinish a roll top desk?

Stripping and Refinishing Price Guide

CHAIRS Strip Low End Refinish Low End
Partners Desk 400.00 2,000.00
Roll Top (Child’s) 85.00 375.00
Roll Top (Large) 300.00 2,200.00
Roll Top (Medium) 225.00 900.00

What has damaged the roll-top desk?

Fire and water
Fire and water had damaged the desk before the author found it and bought it.