AboutFred Taylor Expertise I will attempt to answer questions about American antique furniture, including construction details, style, period, manufacturers, care, repair and storage. I do not have any background in appliances, musical instruments, sewing machines, lighting and clocks and will not respond to quesions about those items.
Experience I ran an antique furniture restoration business for twenty years. I am a nationally syndicated columnist on the subject of antique furniture for such publications as Antique Week and New England Antiques Journal. I have produced one video on the subject of furniture identification and my book "HOW TO BE A FURNITURE DETECTIVE" is now available.I have also published articles in Antique Trader, Chicago Art Deco Society, Northeast Magazine, Victorian Decorating and Lifestyles, Professional Refinishing, Antiques and Art Around Florida and Antique Shoppe. You can visit my website at www.furnituredetective.com
Education/Credentials BSBA Finance, University of Florida, MBA Finance, University of Florida
Question I have a S roll top desk that is possibly over a hundred years old. It has 4 drawers on the right side. A large pull out drawer in the center. The S top rolls up and there are many compartments and two pull out drawers at each end. I was wondering if you could give me some price information on this desk.
Thank You,
Russ
Answer Russ - Age, condition, size, configuration and wood are the main components of the price of a roll top desk. Larger generally equals more $. Walnut usually equals more than oak. Double pedestal (drawers down both sides) equals more than single set of drawers. Condition of the roll top itself is critical as is working condition of the lock and presence of the key.
Most roll tops are from the turn of the century with a few from the earlier Eastlake period but there are many from the 1920s and these are not as valuable as the turn of the century items.
If your desk is turn of the century, single pedestal of drawers, oak, in reasonable condition, 48 to 60 inches wide with working lock and key it would probably sell at auction for around $500 -$700. Fred Taylor
