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
Expert: Fred Taylor Date: 11/9/2004 Subject: roll top desk
Question My wife and I recently acquired a roll top desk with a stamp in 2 of the drawers. The stamps say Cutler desk company. Can you tell me anything about this company or give me advice on where to look? The desk is in very good condition, not excellent. Any help is appreciated.
Answer Mark - Cutler is the granddaddy of all roll top desks. The first American patent for a roll top was issued to Abner Cutler, owner of Cutler Desk of Buffalo, NY in 1850. The flexible tambour of his design has been the basis for most American roll top designs since then. The Cutler Desk Co was active at least until 1919. I haven't found anything later than that. Some of the better built models from the late 1800s can run to $10,000 at auction but 20th century models are valued in the high hundreds to low thousands, based on configuration and condition. I suggest you seek an informal opinion from an antiques dealer, preferrably one who is more familiar with Victorian furniture than with period furniture. I know of one such dealer in Florida who specializes in late 19th and early 20th century office furniture. I will be happy to provide info if you are interested. Fred Taylor
