Featured Roll Top Desk Identification

Hello all,

I recently purchased a roll top desk. I will be using it as a computer desk. I had been using a smaller antique vanity for the last 15 years but I finally decided I needed more storage and space. There are no markings on it other than the lower portion of the lock (the internals of the upper part of the lock are gone, but the escutcheon is still present), which says Eagle Lock Co. I am trying to find what year and what kind of wood the desk is. I would also love to find the manufacturer.

The Zenith radio next to the desk is my computer. I gutted it and installed custom components so that the computer comes on when you push the original bakelite button and the dial is now lit by LEDs. My plan is to put a dielectric mirror on top of the roll top and hide my monitor behind the mirror. I would like to research types of mirror frame styles that would compliment the style of the desk, but I first need to know what year and what type of wood the desk is from so I can try to match it.



Any information is appreciated.

Thank you,
Brandon

 

This is what is known as an oak "C" roll-top. First popular about 1910 or so but made pretty much the same way for decades. A Mission style oak frame would compliment this well.

 

I like how you roll, Brandon.

 

I believe it is a Globe-Wernicke Roll top desk. 1901-10 roughly...oak.

https://www.antiques-atlas.com/antique/globe_wernicke_roll_top_desk/as175a637

 

Wow! Good job in converting the old radio

 

I have a Zenith console radio like that, but mine has a working radio in it. One of the things I do to stay out of trouble.

 

Don't see how you can say it is Globe-Wernicke from this one picture. There were lots of makers of these and G-W usually marked their pieces conspicuously.

 

Actually, looking at lostakey.net and looking for Globe-Wernicke, there were no Eagle locks that showed up at all, so that could also point in a different direction.

 

Thank you everyone for the responses. I wrote a reply for this earlier today and now I don't see it. Anyway, I've been searching online and can't find information. I found one almost identical, even with the same keyhole guard, but there was no name or year given. Is there anything I can do to try to get further information or research the desk?

 

I take it you have peered everywhere - on the back -in the drawers - under the drawers - under the kneehole (not the escutcheon) - etc. for a mark of some kind?

 

Brad you are right....I said I believe...my bad...I should have said it could be...looks like it ...resembles it...I no way meant it was for certain. I do have a Globe-W and it does resemble it, however you are also correct that it would be hard to determine from 1 photo. That lock company was in Watertown, Ct...and then Terryville. Wondering if the lock is original?

 

oh, ya.....!!!!!!!!
show us the one u found for corroboration...
give us better pics of yours....
up down in and out........

if we can't pin it down to your satisfaction ...... it can't be done !!!

 

OK I took some more photos. Please excuse the mess as I coincidentally just started having to working from home yesterday due to the Carona-mess going around.

Here's the desk as listed in the ad when purchased


The pull out have a dowel that hold them in place. Underneath there is a recessed cutout for handles.


Here is the side


The drawer dovetails appear to me to be a more machined look rather than hand cut, which seems to indicate 1900s.


There is a spring loaded mechanism behind the drawers that locks them into place until the roll top is open (it currently needs work to function properly)


The underside of the sitting area.


I am not sure, but from what I can tell the top was originally held to the desk with dowels, but it appears that screws were added at a later date.


The lock.


Key escutcheon has had some work and is missing the locking mechanism.


The only markings I have found on the entire piece is a name written under one of the large desek drawers. John L Calloway, Talbott GA


The larger roll top drawers have some kind of joint holding them together rather than nails or screws.


The smaller rolltop drawers are shaped like this. I'm unsure what this is but my guess would be for cards or envelopes to be easily accessed.

 

None of this helps pin down who made the desk but it does help with age a bit. I think possibly as early as 1900 and no later than the 20s. Still a 30 year span but these changed very subtly over time. By the 30s, the key escutcheon would probably have looked more modern and the interior drawers would likely not be made the same. The flat panel sides most likely preclude this from being 19th century.

 

I found this online. This is exactly the same desk, but there's no indication as to who made it.
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/early-1900s-oak-roll-top-desk-chair-250669316

 

nice find......likely the maker is not of major importance as they made.... very many of these...

 

How wonderful. Glad you found it and it proved to be an early piece!

 

I believe it is Talbotton, Georgia

 

Thanks guys. I haven't heard of Talbotton, I'll have to google it. In talking with a friend of mine that has a hobby of building computers I may end up hanging a TV behind the desk and disguising it as a mirror rather than making a mirror to sit on the desk. This gives me a little more freedom on the design.

Here's the general concept.

 

That is so cool! So the mirror disappears and the screen comes on?