Rare Old Hickory Furniture Co. Mid-Century Children’s Art Desk — Stamped Martinsville, Indiana

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An exceptionally rare authenticated children’s art desk by Old Hickory Furniture Company of Martinsville, Indiana — one of America’s most … Read more An exceptionally rare authenticated children’s art desk by Old Hickory Furniture Company of Martinsville, Indiana — one of America’s most historically significant furniture makers (Est. 1899).

This sculptural mid-century design represents Old Hickory’s fascinating diversification beyond their celebrated rustic hickory bark furniture. The piece features smooth solid hardwood construction with pronounced MCM design elements: splayed angled legs, an asymmetric sculpted desktop, and organic curves that echo the modernist sensibility of Old Hickory’s 1941 Russel Wright collaboration.

Built-in art station features include three recessed circular wells for paint cups or ink, a rectangular tool holder with four precision-drilled holes for brushes, two integrated drawers with original wooden knobs, and two matching accessory storage boxes. The design was revolutionary for children’s furniture of this era.

Authenticated via ink stamp: “OLD HICKORY / MARTINSVILLE / INDIANA” — confirming manufacture at the original Martinsville facility before the company’s 1978 relocation.

No comparable example has been located on any major platform. This may represent a limited production piece from Old Hickory’s mid-century experimentation period.

Dimensions: 17.5”H × 43.5”W × 18.5”D
Materials: Solid hardwood
Period: Mid-20th Century (1940s–1960s)
Condition: Vintage with character — surface wear and patina consistent with decades of creative use. Structurally sound. See less