What is an antique Davenport desk?

An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What are antique desks called?

What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?

To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.

How much is my antique secretary desk worth?

An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.

How do I know if my antique roll top desk?

A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.

Antique Lacquer Desk

Black French Desk Leather Top

19th Century Black Lacquer Chinoiserie

Bauhaus Writing Desk

1930s Office Furniture Desks

Red Desk

Black Lacquered Desk With Brass

Lacquer Bureau Plat

Louis Xv Desk Leather Top

Qing Dynasty Chinese Three-Drawer Writing Table in Original Finiah

Sold|~~$3,200~~

Qing Dynasty Chinese Three-Drawer Writing Table in Original Finiah

Located in East Hampton, NY

Mid-late 19th century Qing dynasty Southern Chinese elm Ming styled three-drawer writing table with brass hardware.

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Lacquer Desk

Materials

Elm

Fine 19th Century Boulle Inkstand

Sold|~~$675~~

Fine 19th Century Boulle Inkstand

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Elaborate filigree work in superb condition. Generously scaled.

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Lacquer Desk

Materials

Brass

Antique Mahogany Drop Leaf Table

Sold|~~$2,875~~

Antique Mahogany Drop Leaf Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The English mahogany drop leaf table is finished in a medium wood tone with a lacquered finish, there are two drop leaves that extend to lengthen the table and the edge of the desk h...

Category

1910s English Regency Antique Lacquer Desk

Materials

Brass

Pair of Chinoiserie Lacquered Decorated Side / Desk Chairs

Sold|~~$1,205~~

Pair of Chinoiserie Lacquered Decorated Side / Desk Chairs

Located in Stutton, GB

Pair of chinoiserie lacquered decorated side / desk chairs, with lovely shaped back with chinoiserie lacquered decoration, standing shaped cabriole legs with pad feet to the front ou...

Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Lacquer Desk

Materials

Lacquer

French Bronze Empire Style Bouillotte Desk or Table Lamp

Sold|~~$800~~

French Bronze Empire Style Bouillotte Desk or Table Lamp

Located in Fairfax, VA

A French Empire style Bouillotte table lamp with black lacquered lampshade double lights 60 watt each.

Category

1920s French Empire Antique Lacquer Desk

Materials

Bronze, Metal

French Empire Style Bronze Bouillotte Desk-Table Lamp

Sold|~~$850~~

French Empire Style Bronze Bouillotte Desk-Table Lamp

Located in Fairfax, VA

Double arm bronze painted green lacquer shade desk lamp.

Category

1920s French Empire Antique Lacquer Desk

Materials

Bronze

Macassar and Zebrano Lacquer desk

Sold|~~$24,000~~

Macassar and Zebrano Lacquer desk

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This striking black lacquer desk features a luxurious Macassar and Zebrano veneer top.

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Lacquer Desk

Materials

Brass

Half Rounded Art Deco Desk in Macassar

Sold|~~$14,500~~

Half Rounded Art Deco Desk in Macassar

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Done in Macassar ebony veneer with a high gloss finish the desk also featured black lacquer details along the bases and brass hardware.

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Lacquer Desk

Materials

Macassar, Lacquer

Late 19th Century Writing Table/Secretary

Sold|~~$10,600~~

Late 19th Century Writing Table/Secretary

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Solid fruitwood, Rosewood and black lacquer with elegant ivory and gold leaf details.

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Lacquer Desk

Materials

Gold Leaf

Art Deco Executive Desk in stained Elm Burl with Leather Top

Sold|~~$9,500~~

Art Deco Executive Desk in stained Elm Burl with Leather Top

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Antique Art Deco executive desk from Germany, circa 1920s - 1930s. Stained elm burl and black shellac legs with beige ostrich leather top. Fluted legs and seven locking drawers.

Category

1920s German Art Deco Antique Lacquer Desk

Materials

Burl, Lacquer, Ostrich Leather

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Antique Lacquer Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the antique lacquer desk you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, brass and metal, every antique lacquer desk was constructed with great care. There are 21 variations of the antique or vintage antique lacquer desk you’re looking for, while we also have 2 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without an antique lacquer desk — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right antique lacquer desk, those designed in Louis XVI, Arts and Crafts and Empire styles are of considerable interest. A well-made antique lacquer desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Davidson, Ken Petersen and Kittinger Furniture Company are consistently popular.

How Much is a Antique Lacquer Desk?

An antique lacquer desk can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,750, while the lowest priced sells for $495 and the highest can go for as much as $48,268.

Questions About Antique Lacquer Desk

What is an antique Davenport desk?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Davenport desk is a type of small desk with a distinct inclined desktop. The desktop covers a large storage compartment meant for keeping paper and other writing materials. Popular in the 19th century, Davenport desks are still sought after today. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
What are antique desks called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.
How much is my antique secretary desk worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.
How do I know if my antique roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.