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.

What's the difference between an antique desk and a vintage desk?

Antique desks are generally 100 years or older, while vintage desks are at least 20 years old and often reflect a specific design era.

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.

What's the difference between a general antique desk and a mid-century modern desk?

Any desk at least 20 years old falls under this broader category, while a mid-century modern desk specifically features the tapered legs and clean lines of 1940s-1960s design.

Antique Sewing Desk

Wood Folding Legs Table

Victorian Wood Console Tables

Sewing Table Used

Early American Console Table

Mid Century Sewing Box

1920s Writing Desk

Singer Cast Iron

Sewing Storage

Antique Drop Leaf Ladies Work Table, English, Sewing, Writing, Regency, C.1820

$4,437

Antique Drop Leaf Ladies Work Table, English, Sewing, Writing, Regency, C.1820

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique drop leaf ladies work table. An English, mahogany sewing or writing table, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820. Beautifully appointed sewing table with wonde...

Category

1820s British Regency Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Boxwood, Mahogany

Swedish Sewing Set of Scissors Folding Knife early 20th century Eskilstuna

$480

Swedish Sewing Set of Scissors Folding Knife early 20th century Eskilstuna

By Eskilstuna Armaturer

Located in Sweden, SE

Made by famous Eskilstuna workshops of Emil Ohlson and Carl Walfrid Dahlgren. The set is decorated with decorative motifs in the form of cotton flowers and foliage, and is decorated ...

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Victorian Off-White Enamel Fold-Top Sewing Table / Student Desk

$1,395

Victorian Off-White Enamel Fold-Top Sewing Table / Student Desk

Located in Germantown, MD

A rare Victorian Off-White Enameled Fold-Top Sewing Table that been used as Student Desk for decades.

Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Wood

English George III Exotic Wood Harlequin Desk Stationery Box or Sewing Pannier

$4,850

English George III Exotic Wood Harlequin Desk Stationery Box or Sewing Pannier

Located in Litchfield, CT

Antique early 19th century English George III exotic wood desk box for stationery or sewing pannier. The box has a rosewood lid with the original gilt brass knob.

Category

19th Century English Georgian Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Rosewood

Jugendstil Silver-Plated Box with Engraved Lid by Carl Deffner, Germany, circa 1

$1,028

Jugendstil Silver-Plated Box with Engraved Lid by Carl Deffner, Germany, circa 1

By Carl Deffner

Located in Meulebeke, BE

Opening the hinged lid reveals a finely crafted wooden interior divided into two compartments, providing practical storage for jewelry, correspondence, sewing accessories, desk items...

Category

1910s German Jugendstil Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Beautiful Pincushion Needle Stand Bird Figurine 19th C. 1890s, Austria

$280

Beautiful Pincushion Needle Stand Bird Figurine 19th C. 1890s, Austria

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Both functional and decorative, the bird form adds sculptural interest, making it a delightful collector’s item as well as a unique accent for a desk, vanity, or sewing table. A rare...

Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Victorian Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Metal

Mid-19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Side Table circa 1850 with Turned Legs a

$2,240Sale Price|20% Off

Mid-19th Century Biedermeier Cherrywood Side Table circa 1850 with Turned Legs a

Located in Darmstadt, DE

Because of its graceful proportions and timeless aesthetic, the piece works well as a side table, writing desk, or sewing table, fitting effortlessly into both classical and modern i...

Category

Mid-19th Century German Louis Philippe Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Pine, Cherry

Tahan Paris Signed French Napoleon III Period Convertible Wine Cooler Tray Table

$12,500

Tahan Paris Signed French Napoleon III Period Convertible Wine Cooler Tray Table

By Jean-Pierre Tahan, Tahan Paris, André-Charles Boulle

Located in Forney, TX

Jean Pierre Alexandre will then use his ingenuity to begin his great pioneering Taking over his father's business, already specialized in jewel caskets and liquour cellarettes as w...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

A Early 20th Century Gold Sewing Set

$9,096

A Early 20th Century Gold Sewing Set

Located in London, GB

A 20th century gold sewing set, consisted of a pair of scissors with yellow gold handles and a two colour gold thimble, bearing Czechoslovakian gold hallmarks, circa 1921-1929, in o...

Category

1920s European Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Gold

Recent Sales

Antique 1920s Art Nouveau Sewing Table

Unavailable

H 77.5 in W 65.5 in D 44.5 in

Antique 1920s Art Nouveau Sewing Table

Located in Freiburg, DE

Solid oak / oak veneer slight retouched veneer damage in the plate (see photos).

Category

1920s Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Oak

American Mahogany Empire Side Table/ Sewing Table, Attributed to Duncan Phyfe

Unavailable

H 29 in W 24 in D 16 in

American Mahogany Empire Side Table/ Sewing Table, Attributed to Duncan Phyfe

By Duncan Phyfe

Located in Hollywood, FL

The cuban mahogany top above 3 drawers with original pulls, surrounded by fine line inlaid banding. The base in dark walnut richly carved with four animal legs, terminating in animal...

Category

1820s Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Satinwood Dressing Table Sewing Table

Unavailable

H 30.32 in W 47.25 in D 27.17 in L 30.32 in

19th Century Satinwood Dressing Table Sewing Table

Located in London, GB

A beautiful 19th Century English Satinwood dressing table/ sewing table. There is an oil stain in the centre which can be seen in this photo. It measures: 120cm wide by 69cm deep...

Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Sewing Desk

English Sewing Stand

Sold

H 33 in W 30 in D 20 in

English Sewing Stand

Located in North Miami, FL

An early english sewing stand of superb quality and design. Beautiful piece of antique furniture. This is a very fine example of this period.

Category

19th Century English Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Brass

Regency Mahogany Work / Sewing Table

Sold

H 27.5 in W 21 in D 14.5 in

Regency Mahogany Work / Sewing Table

Located in Astoria, NY

Regency mahogany work / sewing Table.

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

Charles X Marquetry Sewing Stand

Sold

H 29 in W 20.25 in D 14 in

Charles X Marquetry Sewing Stand

Located in New Orleans, LA

This fine Charles X rosewood sewing stand rests upon beautifully curved legs and is adorned with satinwood marquetry. The Stand is equipped with plenty of storage including a fitted ...

Category

19th Century French Charles X Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Satinwood

American Victorian Wood and Paper Mache Sewing Box on Pedestal Base

Sold

H 75 in W 44 in D 21 in

American Victorian Wood and Paper Mache Sewing Box on Pedestal Base

Located in Middleburg, VA

American Victorian Wood and Paper Mache sewing box on pedestal base Paper Mache depicts bird and flower motif. Original red velvet lines the inner boxes which have a place for all o...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Victorian Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Wood, Paper

Antique Sheraton Flame Mahogany & Tiger Maple Sewing Stand c1840

Sold

H 37.5 in W 25.5 in D 21.5 in

Antique Sheraton Flame Mahogany & Tiger Maple Sewing Stand c1840

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Sheraton sewing stand offers flame mahogany and tiger maple construction with upper lift top compartments having faux drawers and lower small drawers over case with single...

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Mahogany, Maple

Antique Napoleon III Boulle and Tortoise Shell Ebonized Sewing Stand, circa 1870

Sold

H 29 in W 23.88 in D 16.75 in

Antique Napoleon III Boulle and Tortoise Shell Ebonized Sewing Stand, circa 1870

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Napoleon III Boulle & Tortoise shell sewing stand offers ebonized case with top having mirrored interior opening to compartments surmounting lower drawer and raised on cab...

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Bronze

Victorian School Desk or Sewing Table

Sold

H 24 in W 26.5 in D 18 in

Victorian School Desk or Sewing Table

Located in Redding, CT

Victorian school desk or sewing table. Classic embellished iron sides make up this beauty.

Category

1880s Victorian Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Iron

Antique Singer Sewing Machine Cast Iron Victorian Base Maple Console Desk Top

Sold

H 32.5 in W 36 in D 18 in

Antique Singer Sewing Machine Cast Iron Victorian Base Maple Console Desk Top

By Singer

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique singer sewing machine cast iron Victorian base maple console table desk top.

Category

Early 20th Century North American Victorian Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Iron

Naumann Cast Iron Victorian Sewing Machine Base with Wood Top Console Small Desk

Sold

H 29.5 in W 36 in D 16.5 in

Naumann Cast Iron Victorian Sewing Machine Base with Wood Top Console Small Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Naumann cast iron Victorian sewing machine base with wood top console small desk.

Category

Early 20th Century North American Victorian Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Iron

Gilt Bronze Jewelry Chest by Tahan of Paris, circa 1900

Sold

H 6 in W 8 in D 5.5 in

Gilt Bronze Jewelry Chest by Tahan of Paris, circa 1900

By Tahan Paris

Located in New York, NY

He developed the production of boxes, but also produced larger furniture items such as “bonheur-du-jour”, desks, and sewing tables. As early as 1845, he also began to advertise in th...

Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Enamel and Ormolu-Mounted Jewelry Casket

Sold

H 3.55 in W 7.88 in D 3.94 in

19th Century French Enamel and Ormolu-Mounted Jewelry Casket

By Tahan Paris

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

He develops the production of boxes but also realizes larger furniture items, “bonheur-du-jour”, desks, sewing tables. As early as 1845, he also began to advertise in the newspapers,...

Category

1880s French Napoleon III Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Antique J&P Coats Oak Wood 4 Drawer Sewing Spool Cabinet Desk W/ Cast Iron Base

Sold

H 41 in W 30 in D 20.5 in

Antique J&P Coats Oak Wood 4 Drawer Sewing Spool Cabinet Desk W/ Cast Iron Base

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique J&P Coats Oak Wood 4 Drawer Sewing Spool Cabinet Desk w/ Cast Iron Base. Item features custom vintage conversion, upper is an original J&P Coats "Best Six Cord" spool cabinet...

Category

19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Iron

Vintage Singer Sewing Machinists Chair, English, circa 1930

Sold

H 34 in W 15.25 in D 17 in

Vintage Singer Sewing Machinists Chair, English, circa 1930

By Singer

Located in St Annes, Lancashire

A fabulous work or desk chair made by the Singer Sewing Machine Company Brilliant design, practical and comfortable.

Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Steel, Iron

Small Antique Sewing Table, English, Bureau, Correspondence Desk, Georgian, 1800

Sold

H 28.55 in W 21.46 in D 15.56 in

Small Antique Sewing Table, English, Bureau, Correspondence Desk, Georgian, 1800

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a small antique sewing table. An English, mahogany bureau or correspondence desk, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820.

Category

Late 18th Century British Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Wood

Antique Vintage Industrial Original Singer Sewing Table Desk Task Lamp Light

Sold

H 19.69 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in

Antique Vintage Industrial Original Singer Sewing Table Desk Task Lamp Light

By Singer

Located in Sale, GB

- A vintage anglepoise task lamp by the Singer Sewing Corporation, circa 1920. - The lamp is comprised of steel and a bakelite shade which remarkably still has its original 'Singer ...

Category

Early 20th Century British Industrial Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Steel, Iron

Antique Original White Painted Farm Kitchen Table, Sweden

Sold

H 30.5 in W 51.75 in D 30.25 in

Antique Original White Painted Farm Kitchen Table, Sweden

Located in Round Top, TX

Due to its size, this table has versatility and may also serve as a desk or craft/sewing table as well. This table is part of our “un-restored” collection and is being sold in "as is...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Wood

Antique Lady's Work Table Mahogany Victorian 19th Century Sewing Desk

Sold

H 29 in W 20 in D 15 in

Antique Lady's Work Table Mahogany Victorian 19th Century Sewing Desk

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

A Lady's antique 19th century Victorian mahogany work table, lift up rectangular top revealing tooled red and gold leather inset writing slope with adjustable bracket and storage spa...

Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Mahogany

1 Yard Sewing Table

Sold

H 27 in W 36 in D 20 in

1 Yard Sewing Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A wood folding sewing table. Turned legs with wood castors and a charming yardstick stenciled on top.

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Brass

Victorian Burl Walnut Sewing/Writing Table

Sold

H 28.75 in W 25 in D 16.5 in

Victorian Burl Walnut Sewing/Writing Table

Located in Pawleys Island, SC

Victorian burl walnut sewing/writing table with Inlay. The top opens to reveal an adjustable tooled leather writing surface, 5 slots for storage and compartments for writing utensils...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Leather, Velvet, Satinwood, Walnut, Burl

English Burl Walnut Work, Side, End, Tea Table, 19th Century

Sold

H 31 in W 20.75 in D 17.5 in

English Burl Walnut Work, Side, End, Tea Table, 19th Century

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An English burl walnut work table with fitted original interior and ivory knobs with keyed top drawer that locks the top down ending a turned tripod base, finished all sides, origina...

Category

19th Century English Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Burl, Walnut

Cast Iron Singer Desk with Reclaimed Aluminium Top, circa 1920

Sold

H 29.93 in W 33.08 in D 22.05 in

Cast Iron Singer Desk with Reclaimed Aluminium Top, circa 1920

By Singer Sewing Machine Co.

Located in Chester, Flintshire

Fitted with a reclaimed aluminium top from a former electrical workshop in North Wales, this vintage cast iron singer sewing machine base with its integral casters, working rocking f...

Category

1920s English Industrial Antique Sewing Desk

Materials

Aluminum, Iron

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Antique Sewing Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the antique sewing desk you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each antique sewing desk for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and iron. There are many kinds of the antique sewing desk you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right antique sewing desk, those designed in Victorian and Industrial styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made antique sewing desk over the years, but those crafted by Singer are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Antique Sewing Desk?

The average selling price for an antique sewing desk at 1stDibs is $1,160, while they’re typically $450 on the low end and $6,000 for the highest priced.

Questions About Antique Sewing 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.
What's the difference between an antique desk and a vintage desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Antique desks are generally 100 years or older, while vintage desks are at least 20 years old and often reflect a specific design era.
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.
What's the difference between a general antique desk and a mid-century modern desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Any desk at least 20 years old falls under this broader category, while a mid-century modern desk specifically features the tapered legs and clean lines of 1940s-1960s design.