What could be the value of this piece?

Hi guys,

Its a WM Richardson Roll top desk and a contact asked if I want to buy it. They are asking 500 euro for it but I have no idea of its actual value for collectors. I feel the price is way to high but I might be wrong depending on the rarity of the piece.

I have tried to look around I did not see any example like this anywhere also the tag makes think it might be rare (143/145).

Any help would be appreciated!

 

There are some Lebus desks around.
https://www.sellingantiques.co.uk/267705/antique-oak-roll-top-desk-writing-bureau/
Not sure about €500, does seem a bit high but I’m no expert.
The second darker wood version didn’t get a bid of £50

 

143/145 is the street address of Richardson the furnisher, not indication of a limited edition.

 

there are many roll top desks out there........
500 Euro's ???
What, does he need dental work done ????
Not on your dime....I suspect !!

Maye..just maybe if it were Mint.....which it's not !

 

This partners desk of Wm Richardson’s sold for £912 at Bonhams but it’s a much nicer piece. Your example looks more like standard office furniture. Wait for other opinions though.
https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/17151/lot/737/

 

Don't know about England but, in the USA antique desk sales have hit a rough patch and prices are way down.
We don't live in a paper world like we used to, almost everything is digitized online now and desks for the most part have failed so far to find a niche in this new world.

 

A handsome desk. Since prices are down, as James indicated, now is the time to strike if you want a desk like this. Offer something like 150 Euros and meet around 200. That's ALOT of oak!

 

at 150 u risk fisticuffs ..........................................

 

on the continental market nigh to impossible to sell. too heavy, no use for deep and long register drawers, not usable for computer screens and keyboards etc..

 

We struggle to get $250 for roll tops in better shape than this in our shop.

 

Not on my dime no. As I said I found that way over priced!

You are being kind, I was thinking to buy it for a max 100 euros! Buying to sell so no point buying it for more than that. Not even for the wood! Haha

That is exactly why I would not pay more than 100 for it!

Central/North Europe is the same. In the end most of these desks are no longer functional for most people. So I would not buy it at all unless for some reason it was a rare item. (which clearly its not!)


Thank you all for all the comments! What a great source of knowledge!

 

143/145 The Headrow in 1950. Richardson's is on the left.

Debora