Antique Desks
Posted By admin on December 20, 2010
Antique Desks
James Antique Roll Top Desk Refinish Clinic PART 0 of ?
The Mystery of Hidden Compartments in Desks
The romance and mystery of secret compartments in antique desks surged with the popular movie, National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. In the movie, the hero, Benjamin Franklin Gates (played by Nicholas Cage) has to break into the White House to find clues hidden in a secret compartment in the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. A second clue is found in the twin desk at Buckingham Palace. The secret compartments open up with a combination involving how far the other known drawers are pulled out. It is quite elaborate, and appeals to the detective in all of us!
An actual finding of valuable documents in an old desk happened in the early 1900’s. In 1794, the future 5th president of the United States, James Monroe, purchased a Louis XVI desk that had a secret compartment. James Monroe did not tell anyone about this secret compartment. It wasn’t until 1906 when one of Monroe’s descendants, a child, damaged the desk. The desk was taken to a cabinet maker to be repaired and the secret compartment was discovered. Inside were priceless and historical documents, including letters from Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Considering that Jefferson burned most of his personal correspondence, this truly was a treasure!
Today, many antique seekers dream of finding a desk with a secret compartment containing hidden treasures. So what should you be looking for to help you narrow the search?
Though they had been around for awhile, secret compartments in desks, inspired by the Italians, became popular in English and American cabinet making around 1720. The trend continued for about 100 years, and though later ones can be found, they were not as common. One reason that they became desirable was for strictly functional reasons: a secure place to keep valuable documents, money and jewelry. Today we use safety deposit boxes and safes, but they were not in existence back then, so hidden compartments helped people feel secure.
Some desks would have only one hidden compartment, others would have many. In one simple slant top desk, 21 hidden cubbies were discovered. Some compartments are a decent size, and may be found under false bottoms in a drawer. Document boxes were one type of larger hidden compartments that became quite common for awhile, often hidden behind the half column pilasters that flanked the central section. Other secret compartments are quite small with just enough room for a few folded bills or perhaps a small piece of jewelry.
Some secret compartments in desks could only be reached by removing a series of regular drawers, others were concealed behind ornamental trim. Some were opened by raising them up with a fingernail or letter opener, and others were held in place with a wooden spring that first had to be released. This complicated the process because of the additional trick of finding the trigger for the spring. The best way is simply by feeling around.
After seeing a few of these hidden compartments, one has to admire the ingenuity of the cabinetmakers of the time. I have heard of some desk owners taking years to locate secret compartments that there were sure that existed. So owning an antique desk and discovering its secrets, is more a work of love for the challenge, not a “get rich quick” deal.
So the question remains, does the real Resolute desk in the Oval office have a secret compartment? I did a little checking around and cannot say for sure. I found one person online who confidently said, “Yes!” but gave no documentation or proof, so my answer is, “I don’t know, but would love to find out!”
 Lite Source LS-224AB Banker Banker's Lamp, Antique Brass with Green Glass Shade List Price: Sale Price: $75.99 You save: $29.01 (28%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionNew Banker's Lamp Antique Brass 14.5"H Desk Lamp Banker Desk Lamp Introducing a new, innovative incandescent bankers desk lamp featuring adjustable shade, polished steel finish, and on/off switch. A 21st century flair to a classic original. Finish: Polished steel, Antique brass Shade: Frost One 60 watt incandescent A type bulb (not included) Dimensions: 14.5" height Shade dimensions: 9" long x 5.5" wide Switch: On/off pull chain Features
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 Kichler Lighting 70383 Westwood at Work Portable Adjustable 22-Inch Desk Lamp, Antique Brass with Metal Shade List Price: Sale Price: $101.98 You save: $48.02 (32%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionWith its classic profile and adjustable lamp head, this balance arm desk lamp makes an immediate style statement. Top metal shade adjusts as needed and directs light down to the desktop and away from computer screens. Antique brass finish with bronze accents. On-off turn switch. Takes one 60 watt bulb (not included). 22" high. Shade is 6 1/2" in diameter. Features
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 Lipper International Child's Slanted Top Desk And Chair - Pecan List Price: Sale Price: $137.00 You save: $28.00 (17%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionLipper International child's slanted top desk and chair set. Like the old fashioned school desks. Lots of storage, indentations for pens and pencils. Made with recessed finger hold to protect precious fingers. Hardwood with pecan child-safe finish. Goes with any decor. Features
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 Bush Furniture Fairview Computer Desk, Antique Black/Hansen Cherry List Price: Sale Price: $185.00 You save: $104.00 (36%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 3 to 5 days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionCombining traditional detail and contemporary functionality, Stanford's casual cottage styling is a comfortable addition to any home. Features
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 Replogle Globes Lenox Globe, Antique Ocean, 12-Inch Diameter List Price: Sale Price: $66.99 You save: $8.01 (11%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionEnduring appeal. This successful blend of an antique raised-relief 12-inch globe ball, attractive solid hardwood base, and painted die-cast semi-meridian make this globe the perfect choice for any setting. Features
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 Carolina Cottage Bella Desk, Antique White List Price: Sale Price: $198.99 You save: $55.00 (22%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis accent is beautifully hand-crafted with turned legs and a convenient drawer, made from solid Asian hardwood. The desk's versatile styling will complement any room. The ideal complement to any décor, this charming, single-drawer, writing desk has elegantly-simple lines and minimal proportions. Sized for use as a writing table or laptop desk, it also works well in the entryway, foyer, or kitchen to hold mail or display flowers. Turned legs and an antiqued, ivory finish give the piece the look of a family heirloom or vintage find. The Bella desk is hand-crafted from 100%, solid imported hardwoods. It measures 34 inches wide, by 19 inches deep, by 30 inches high. --Mary Park Features
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 Pierce Desk - Antique White List Price: Sale Price: $198.97 You save: $11.02 (5%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionOverall Dimension: 48"W x 18"D x 31"H Drawers Dimension: 8"W x 12"D x 3"H Cubby Dimension: 23"W x 8"D x 4"H Finish: Antique White Material: Veneer and MDF Home Office Writing Desk Lower Shelf and Drawers in White Featuring an antique white finish, this simple storage desk is great for any room. Two lower drawers and a storage cube offer organizational options for storing all of your office supplies. A spacious rectangular desk top provides a convenient workspace for your laptop and bills and is surrounded by a short protective ledge. Also available in Espresso finish. Assembly required. Item is made in China. Features
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 Winsome Wood Antique Walnut Rolling Computer Station List Price: Sale Price: $139.00 You save: $95.00 (41%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 2 days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionComputer Station with pull out keyboard. Special slot for your CPU and extra shelf for your printer. Made of solid wood in Antique Walnut Finish. Assembly Required. Computer cables, printer paper, that wireless mouse you can never locate...get it all organized and watch how efficient you become! This computer station provides an attractive, compact spot to go from Overwhelmed Organizer to Wonder Worker. Crafted of sturdy solid wood with a rich Antique Walnut stain, the station features a roomy desktop for a computer monitor or laptop, a pullout keyboard tray concealed behind the drawer front, a designated CPU area, a printer shelf, and a second shelf for supplies. The open sides and back keep the overall look light and airy while allowing air to flow freely around electronics. Need an office on the go? The station is equipped with lockable casters so it rolls wherever duty calls. Modern in style with a long silver-tone door pull, this piece works well in contemporary decors. It measures a compact 32.5 inches wide by 20 inches deep by 31.1 inches high. Assembly is required. --Kara Karll Features
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 Replogle Globes Franklin Globe, Antique Ocean, 12-Inch Diameter List Price: Sale Price: $39.95 You save: $5.05 (11%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis 12-inch diameter, raised-relief, blue ocean globe offers a vibrant contrast to a metal gold colored base. Features
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 Antique Pewter Pharmacy Desk Lamp Sale Price: $29.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features
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