Details
Description
A quintessential masterpiece of American Modernism, this "floating top" executive desk was designed by the legendary Paul McCobb for the …
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A quintessential masterpiece of American Modernism, this "floating top" executive desk was designed by the legendary Paul McCobb for the Planner Group collection by Winchendon Furniture.
McCobb, a repeat recipient of the MoMA Good Design Award, was a "man of parts" who completely forsook ornament in favor of purity of form. Drawing inspiration from traditional Shaker furniture and Windsor chairs, his work achieved a rare warmth and presence through "honest" design. This desk perfectly encapsulates that philosophy, featuring the signature architectural silhouette where the solid maple desktop appears to "hover" effortlessly over two drawer pedestals, supported by McCobb’s trademark tapered spindle legs.
The Restoration: This specific piece has undergone an exhaustive, museum-quality professional restoration. Moving beyond standard refinishing, the solid maple has been hand-rubbed with a traditional French Polish in a deep, sophisticated Espresso stain. This labor-intensive technique (layering shellac by hand) creates a high-luster, mirror-like finish with incredible depth, highlighting the natural chatoyancy and grain of the maple wood—a luxurious contrast to the minimalist lines of the structure.
Designed with the versatility that made the Planner Group a staple of the postwar American home, this desk features a fully finished back with an integrated bookshelf and open cubby, allowing it to be used as a freestanding centerpiece in a professional or home office.
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- Dimensions
- 53ʺW × 26.25ʺD × 29ʺH
- Styles
- Mid-Century Modern
- Table Shape
- Rectangle
- Designer
- Paul McCobb
- Period
- 1950s
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Brass
- Maple
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Design Modified, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Ebony
- Condition Notes
- This desk has been professionally restored at considerable cost, featuring a hand-applied French Polish finish. The structure is rock-solid and … moreThis desk has been professionally restored at considerable cost, featuring a hand-applied French Polish finish. The structure is rock-solid and the finish is smooth with a deep, liquid-like luster. As with any hand-restored vintage item, extremely minor surface variations may be present upon close inspection. Note on Legs & Provenance: The desk is currently fitted with a set of reconstructed legs finished in a matching espresso-black to complement the restoration. Included in this sale are the original factory-finish blonde maple legs in their unaltered vintage state. They were misplaced at the time of the restoration, but were since found. These original components provide the buyer with the authentic "DNA" of the piece and the unique flexibility to eventually return the desk to its 1950s blonde roots or maintain the current high-end espresso aesthetic. All drawers function smoothly with original brass hardware intact. less
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Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
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