1940s Saginaw Furniture Shops "Expandomatic" Mahogany Desk-to-Dining Table

Details

Description

One of the most ingenious and collectible pieces of American furniture design — a confirmed Saginaw Furniture Shops "Expandomatic" desk … Read more One of the most ingenious and collectible pieces of American furniture design — a confirmed Saginaw Furniture Shops "Expandomatic" desk in rich flame mahogany, complete 3 drawers and with all four leaves and fully functioning Watertown Slide mechanism. Bearing the original Saginaw Furniture Shops brass label: "Manufacturers of Fine Furniture — Plants, Saginaw, Michigan."

In its compact desk form, this is an elegant single-pedestal writing desk with four drawers and original brass rectangular hardware — a refined presence in any home office or study. Pull the desk face forward and the patented Watertown Slide accordion mechanism extends dramatically and smoothly to the front, revealing a full 81" dining table that seats 8 comfortably. The four mahogany leaves drop into place, secured with built-in gold dowels, transforming the piece entirely. The four leaves are of a darker patina than the core desk and must be stored separately - there is no storage compartment in the desk for the drawers.

This is the ultimate small-space solution from mid-century America — a piece that solves the age-old problem of entertaining in limited square footage with characteristic 1940s ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Details:
• Maker: Saginaw Furniture Shops, Saginaw, Michigan — confirmed by original brass label
• Mechanism: Watertown Slide Corp., Wisconsin — fully functioning, extends smoothly
• Material: Flame/figured mahogany throughout
• Hardware: Original brass handles
• Leaves: 4 included (darker mahogany tone — natural variation with age and patina)
• Drawers: 3 (in pedestal; faux shallow drawer, which pulls out to extend to table form)

Dimensions — Desk form:
• 21"D × 40"W × 30"H (25" knee)

Dimensions — Dining table (fully extended, all 4 leaves):
• 81"L × 40"W × 30"H

Condition: Good vintage. Surface and legs show scratches, nicks, and wear and natural patina consistent with age, but mahogany grain is rich and deep. Mechanism operates smoothly. All original hardware intact. Happy to share more pictures upon request. See less