Antique Tiger Oak Writing Desk With Raised Gallery Back – Early 1900s (Usa)

Details

Description

This exceptional tiger oak writing desk dates to the early 1900s, showcasing premium quarter-sawn oak, hand-carved details, and a classic … Read more 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. See less