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American Antique Desks

The corporate office layout is enormously different when compared to offices even twenty years ago. Effucuebt electronic recordkeeping and communications replaced copious amounts of paperwork and ergonomic cubicles took the place of traditional desks and chairs. Even so, antique desks remain popular choices in mid-level and C-suite corporate environments, as well as in home offices.

American antique desks generally fall into two categories: those intended for commercial use and those made for domestic spaces. Desks created for commercial use tended to be larger, simpler, and more utilitarian in design, though some featured gilt, tooled tops, or heavy-set legs. Domestic desks were usually smaller in size and more ornate, with inlays of exotic woods and sometimes gilded or brass accents.

Ranging from leather-topped to gilded, with reeded legs and built-in storage, American antique desks come with a rich history and are collectible classics in their own right.


Quick Facts

  • In 1989, an elaborately carved 18th-century desk by master Rhode Island cabinetmaker John Goddard sold at a Christie's New York auction for $1.2 million
  • In 1989, an 18th-century desk produced by fine American furniture maker John Goddard sold at auction for an unbelievable $12.1 million
  • A late-18th century Chippendale cherry slant-lid desk sold at Skinner in September 2015 for a very modest $492

Recommended Items at Auction

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American Black Walnut Plantation Desk
Mar 25, 10:00 AM EDT
American Black Walnut Plantation Desk
by Wooten & Wooten Auctioneers
Est: $400- $600
$2000 Bids
Virginia Chippendale Walnut Slant Front Desk
Mar 25, 9:00 PM EDT
Virginia Chippendale Walnut Slant Front Desk
by Brunk Auctions
Est: $600- $900
$3000 Bids
American Slant Top Desk Eighteenth Century
Mar 26, 6:00 PM EDT
American Slant Top Desk Eighteenth Century
by Lettieri Auction & Appraisal
Est: $1,000- $3,000
$3000 Bids
Pennsylvania Classical Fall Front Desk
Mar 29, 12:00 PM EDT
Pennsylvania Classical Fall Front Desk
by Locati LLC
Est: $100- $500
$1000 Bids
Late 18th/Early 19th Century American Chippendale Maple Slant-front Desk
Apr 16, 10:00 AM EDT
Late 18th/Early 19th Century American Chippendale Maple Slant-front Desk
by Collective Hudson, LLC
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$3000 Bids
Early American Handmade Slant Front Desk
Mar 25, 10:00 AM EDT
Early American Handmade Slant Front Desk
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$500 Bids
A Federal Inlaid Bird's Eye Maple and Mahogany Tambour Writing Desk
Mar 30, 10:00 AM EDT
A Federal Inlaid Bird's Eye Maple and Mahogany Tambour Writing Desk
by Hindman
Est: $2,000- $3,000
$1,0000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell American Antique Desks


Eldred's

Eldred's

Brunk Auctions

Brunk Auctions

Hindman

Hindman

Mebane Antique Auction

Mebane Antique Auction