Details
Description
This exceptional tiger oak writing desk dates to the early 1900s, showcasing premium quarter-sawn oak, hand-carved details, and a classic …
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This exceptional tiger oak writing desk dates to the early 1900s, showcasing premium quarter-sawn oak, hand-carved details, and a classic gallery-back design typical of turn-of-the-century American craftsmanship.
The desk features a beautifully grained tiger-oak top, carved reeded legs, original stretcher base, and a lower shelf for added function. The piece presents a rich, warm finish with a strong Arts & Crafts / Mission influence while still retaining traditional carved elements—an uncommon combination found primarily between 1900–1920.
Structurally solid and beautifully restored on the visible surfaces. Normal age wear is present underneath the top (not visible during use), consistent with antique pieces of this era.
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WHY THIS IS EARLY 1900s
This dating is supported by four key design and construction indicators:
1. Quarter-Sawn Tiger Oak
• Heavily used in American furniture from 1890–1920, especially in desks, washstands, and library tables.
• Declined sharply after 1920 due to cost and changing stylistic demand.
2. Carved Reeded / Spiral Legs
• These hybrid Arts & Crafts + traditional turned-leg designs were common 1900–1915, before simpler Mission styles became dominant.
3. Stretcher-Base Construction
• Reinforced stretcher bases were typical of U.S. production furniture circa 1900–1920, especially in writing desks and library tables.
4. Gallery-Back Shelf
• Raised gallery backs on writing surfaces were widely used between 1900–1918, intended to keep ink bottles and papers from sliding off.
Taken together, these features align strongly with American-made furniture of the early 20th century, specifically circa 1905–1915.
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DETAILS
• Type: Writing Desk / Console Table
• Material: Solid quarter-sawn tiger oak
• Country of Origin: United States
• Period: Early 20th Century (1900–1920)
• Style: Arts & Crafts, Mission, Traditional
• Condition:
• Very good antique condition
• Top surface restored and polished
• Underside shows expected age marks and old finish drips
• Structurally strong and stable
USES
✔ Entryway console
✔ Writing desk
✔ Laptop desk
✔ Hall table
✔ Display table
Dimensions
• Width: 42”
• Depth: 20”
• Height to Desk Surface: 30”
• Height to Top of Gallery: 35”
What type of piece is this?
It appears to be either:
• A library/writing table, or
• A sideboard-style server (light, not a dining-room buffet),
• Or a church/chapel table — the raised back and straight legs are also consistent with ecclesiastical furniture from the period.
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- Dimensions
- 42ʺW × 20ʺD × 30ʺH
- Styles
- Early American
- Table Shape
- Rectangle
- Period
- Early 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Oak
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Brown
- Condition Notes
- This antique desk is in very good condition for its age and displays beautifully. The top surface has been refinished … moreThis antique desk is in very good condition for its age and displays beautifully. The top surface has been refinished or refreshed at some point and now has a smooth, attractive sheen with rich tiger-oak grain. The structure is solid and stable, with no wobbling or looseness in the legs or stretcher base. Expected age wear is present: • Light surface wear consistent with a 100+ year-old piece • Underside of the top shows old finish drips, patches, and color variation—not visible during normal use • Minor edge nicks and finish variations typical for antique quarter-sawn oak • Lower shelf and carved legs are in strong, well-maintained condition with no significant damage Overall, this is a well-preserved, structurally sound, early 1900s tiger oak desk that presents beautifully and is ready for everyday use. less
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
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