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Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Early 1900's Antique Venetian, Burled, Walnut, Mirrored, Secretary / Desk!!
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous Antique Secretary, Venetian, Burled, Walnut, Mirrored Doors, Desk, early 1900s, 20th
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Early 20th Century Italian Other Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Walnut

1900s Wiener Occasional table or writing desk in Walnut Restored wax Polished
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century Wiener occasional table, writing desk Art Nouveau, all solid walnut restored and
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Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Walnut

1900s French Wooden Desk
Located in High Point, NC
Experience the rich history and craftsmanship of the early 1900s with this French wooden desk, an
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wood

Antique 1900s French Wooden Desk
1900s French Wooden Desk
$4,995
H 46 in W 42.9 in D 24.6 in
Larkin Solid Antique Oak Quatersawn Table, circa 1900s
By Larkin & Co.
Located in Germantown, MD
as a writing table, bar table or as a center table. Good vintage condition Measures 36"W x x 23.5"Dx
Category

Early 20th Century American Colonial Revival Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Oak

Model No. 3 Desk or Writing Chair by Thonet, 1900's
By Thonet
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A very nice desk or writing chair by Thonet. It is fabricated in the Czech Republic around 1900
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Victorian Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wood

Antique Model No. 3 Desk or Writing Chair by Thonet, 1900's
Model No. 3 Desk or Writing Chair by Thonet, 1900's
$824
H 31.89 in W 27.17 in D 20.08 in

Recent Sales

1900s Empire-Style Desk with Gorgeous Veneer Wood Grain Detail & Carved Legs
Located in Memphis, TN
home office or bedroom with this early 1900s empire-style hardwood desk with two collabsible, fold-down
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Empire Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Velvet

Early 1900's Writing Table With Drawer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th c. desk with turned legs and drawer. Top consists of two bwide boards. Great patina and
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Early 20th Century Guatemalan Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Early 1900's School Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
turn of the [last] century school desk... carving on the top surface from 1907, seat flips up and
Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Iron

Early 1900's School Desk
Early 1900's School Desk
H 32.5 in W 24 in D 32 in
Japanese Antique, Writing Desk, Taisho Period’Early 1900s', Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This is a very old Japanese-style writing desk. It dates back to the Taisho period(1912-1926) It
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wood

E. 1900s Antique English, Walnut, Leather Top, London, Maple & Co, Writing Desk!
Located in Austin, TX
Handsome Early 1900s Antique English, Walnut, Leather Top, London, Maple & Co, Writing Desk
Category

Early 20th Century British Other Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Painted & Silver Gilt Carved Italian Writing Table C. 1900's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Painted & silver gilt carved writing table with center drawer.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Vermeil, Silver

Spanish Carved Walnut Table/Desk C. 1900's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
both sides. Can be used as a partner's desk.
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Walnut

Early 20th Century French Wrought Iron Writing Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petite writing desk from early 1900s France. Features a beautiful wrought iron base and planked
Category

Early 1900s French Industrial Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wrought Iron

1900s Belgian Bleached Oak Desk
Located in High Point, NC
for a home office or study, this desk provides ample space for writing and organizing, while its
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Oak

1900s Belgian Bleached Oak Desk
1900s Belgian Bleached Oak Desk
H 46.4 in W 52.5 in D 32.8 in
Napoleon III Desk, Ebonized Wood and Bronzes, 1900s
Located in Florence, IT
Napoleon III desk in ebonized wood and bronzes, one central draw, cut crystal top.
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Bronze

Swedish Gustavian Style 1900s Painted Wood Writing Table with Three Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood writing table from the early 20th century, with three
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

Italian Bleached Wood Library Table C. 1900's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Grand scale Italian bleached walnut Library table with elaborate carving throughout.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wood

Japanese Antique, Low table, Taisho Period Early'1900s', Wabi Sabi
Located in Hitachiomiya-shi, 08
This is a Japanese antique Writing Desk. It was made in the Taisho period(1912-1926). It is made
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Pine

French Louis XVI Style 1900s Mahogany and Bronze Desk with Olive Leather Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style mahogany and mahogany veneer desk from the early 20th century, with olive
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Bronze

Early 1900s French Bistro or Cafe Table with Stone Top and Wrought Iron Base
Located in Hopewell, NJ
writing desk. Good for either indoor or outdoor garden or patio use. Measures: H skirt 29 5/8” #4596.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Stone, Wrought Iron

1900s French Lift-Top Writing Desk
Located in High Point, NC
An antique writing desk from France, produced during the turn of the century. An elegant lift-top
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wood

1900s French Lift-Top Writing Desk
1900s French Lift-Top Writing Desk
H 39 in W 30.9 in D 27.2 in
Early 1900s Hardwood Mexican School Desk
By OTHR
Located in Guadalajra, Jal
This is a unique antique school desk found in western México. The patina of this piece, makes it
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Early 20th Century Mexican Rustic Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Hardwood

Early 1900s Hardwood Mexican School Desk
Early 1900s Hardwood Mexican School Desk
H 33.47 in W 37.41 in D 23.63 in
Solid Oak Neoclassical Style Library Partners Desk, Early 1900s
Located in Hamburg, PA
Solid oak neoclassical library partners desk Early 1900s. Two drawers on each side, sturdily built
Category

Early 1900s American Neoclassical Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Oak

Antique Danish Rectangular Brutalist Desk in Solid Oak, Made in Early 1900s
Located in Odense, DK
cabinetmaker in early 1900s. This vintage desk complentary the modern interior style well. A warm colour
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Brutalist Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Oak

Early 1900s French Walnut Brass and Leather Top Desk
Located in Burton, TX
Found in France, this Early 1900s French Walnut Brass and Leather Top Desk stands on four tapered
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Early 20th Century French Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

Italian antique wooden desk with inlay decorations with light wood, early 1900s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian antique wooden desk with inlay decorations with light wood, early 1900s Wooden rectangular
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Early 1900s Italian Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Metal

Early 1900s Georgian Style Walnut & Burl Inlaid Ladies Secretary Desk by Gillow
By Waring & Gillow
Located in Lisse, NL
Very elegant writing table by Waring & Gillow. This little masterpiece of early 20th century
Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

Carved Wood Rustic Provincial Country French Farm Desk / Table, Early 1900s SALE
Located in Sofia, BG
French Provincial furniture is the term generally used to describe the furniture produced in French smaller cities and the countryside, mostly during the 18th century. It often appli...
Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wood

Antique Pine Wood Entry Table, 1900s
Located in Chicago, IL
A darling 1900s antique pine wood entry table featuring four tapered, turned legs and beautiful
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Early 20th Century Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

Antique Pine Wood Entry Table, 1900s
Antique Pine Wood Entry Table, 1900s
H 26.5 in W 32 in D 19.25 in
Rare Early 1900s Art Nouveau Rosewood and Brass Writing Box
By Erhard & Söhne
Located in San Diego, CA
An Art Nouveau writing box crafted with palisander (rosewood) and brass decoration. Domed lid on a
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass, Copper

French Louis XV Style Writing Desk Early, 1900s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1900s Louis XV-style desk is made of mahogany wood stained a dark mahogany color with a
Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

EARLY 1900'S FRENCH LOUIS XVI STYLE DESK
Located in San Francisco, CA
EARLY 1900'S FRENCH LOUIS XVI STYLE DESK 47''W X 23''D X 30''H (23.5' 'CLEARANCE)
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Early 20th Century French Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

French 1900's Style Desk
Located in Austin, TX
A French Desk in walnut wood with a red leather top and one single drawer on the side. The curved
Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wood, Leather

French 1900's Style Desk
French 1900's Style Desk
H 29.25 in W 43.5 in D 25.5 in
French Louis XVI Style Walnut Desk or Writing Table, 1900s
Located in Austin, TX
A very elegant small desk made of walnut in the Louis XVI style. The writing table has a double
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

1900's French Desk
Located in Austin, TX
An early 1900's Desk in cherry wood and a green embossed leather top with very modern lines. The
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Early 20th Century French Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

1900's French Desk
1900's French Desk
H 29.75 in W 55 in D 27.5 in
Louis XVI Style Cherrywood Desk, France, Early 1900s
Located in Austin, TX
A dapper cherrywood Louis XVI style desk, circa 1900. Wonderful cherrywood veneer on top forms a
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Cherry

C. 1900s. Pine Desk/Farm Dining Table
Located in Summerland, CA
Early 1900s Country pine hand made desk with one drawer. Or could be a charming farm table. Plank
Category

Early 20th Century Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Pine

French Directoire Style Desk with Leather Top, 1900s
Located in Austin, TX
A gorgeous desk in the Directoire style made of walnut wood with an embossed black leather top. The
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Leather, Wood

French Countrystyle Double-Faced Jeweler's Worktable or Desk, 1900s
Located in Austin, TX
A double sided jeweler's worktable desk in pine with additional lamp and stool, French circa 1900
Category

Early 20th Century French Industrial Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Metal

French Louis XVI Style Walnut Desk with Leather Top, 1900s
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful Louis XVI style desk made of walnut wood with delicate carvings. The black leather top
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Leather, Walnut

French Louis XVI Style Cherrywood Desk with Leather Top, circa 1900s
Located in Austin, TX
leather top and two drawers with brass knobs. A perfect desk, console or writing table! From floor to
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Cherry, Leather

1900's large drafting table
Located in Chicago, IL
1900's cast iron base drafting table. Top 60" by 38".
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Iron

1900's large drafting table
1900's large drafting table
H 51 in W 60 in D 38 in
French Louis XVI Style 1900s Grand Scale Kingwood and Tulip Inlaid Bureau Plat
Located in Atlanta, GA
century (19th to 20th) features a dark leather lined writing desk above three dovetailed drawers with ring
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

Rustic French 1900s Pine Table with Iron Base, X-Form Legs and Cross Stretcher
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French pine table from the early 20th century, with iron base, curving X-form legs and cross
Category

Early 20th Century French Rustic Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Iron

1900s chinoiserie dresser/writing desk with matching seat
Located in London, GB
1900c chinoiserie dresser/writing desk with matching seat. Hand painted art work on white
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

French Louis XV Style Writing Desk Early, 1900s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 1900s Louis XV-style desk is made of mahogany wood stained a dark mahogany color with a
Category

Early 1900s French Louis XV Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

French Louis XVI Style Walnut Desk, Early 1900s
Located in Austin, TX
A very elegant desk in the Louis XVI style found in the Loire Region, circa 1900s. The desk is made
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Louis XVI Style Cherrywood Desk, France, Early 1900s
Located in Austin, TX
A phenomenal Louis XVI style desk in richly detailed cherrywood. This piece runs the gamut on
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

French Directoire Style Cherrywood Desk with Leather Top, Early 1900s
Located in Austin, TX
A stately Directoire style cherrywood desk with green leather top, French, circa 1900. Cherrywood
Category

Early 20th Century French Directoire Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Leather, Cherry

Early 1900's Cast Iron base Drafting Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Early 1900's Cast iron base Drafting Table
Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Iron

1900's Drafting Table
Located in Chicago, IL
1900's American Drafting table with iron base and newly refinished wood top.
Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Iron

Louis XVI Style Marquetry Desk or Side Table, 1900s
Located in Austin, TX
, from the late 1800s or early 1900s. Created as a writing desk for the bedroom, this piece is small in
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Bronze

Early 1900s Antique Swedish Pine Writing Desk, Bleached
Located in Franklin, TN
Vintage Swedish pine writing desk from the early 1900s, meticulously sanded and bleached to unveil
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Pine

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Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
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Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
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21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

Organic Modern Small Table Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE SMALL table lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant's Foot– for the prominent shape at its ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Linen, Fiberglass

The Albert, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Introducing the home collection. A small selection of timeless Flemish designs made by hand for us in a small third generation workshop in Belgium. Has been used by many influent...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Linen

The Albert, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair
The Albert, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair
$5,021 / item
H 30.71 in W 29.93 in D 34.65 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Textile

'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
$1,320 Sale Price / item
20% Off
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
Bed Tester Spanish Baroque Carved Dark Green & Gilded Leather Superking 6ft180cm
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare, Spanish Demi-Tester, Baroque Bed With Carved, Green Painted & Gilded Posts 181cm, 6ft High, Floral Painted Leather Headboard, sold with custom made box spring mattress base, ac...
Category

1720s Spanish Baroque Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

Marble Scalloped Sink Basin
Located in Cranbrook, Kent
Classical Italian scalloped sink basin cut from one single block of Carrara marble. Custom sizes available  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Marble

Marble Scalloped Sink Basin
Marble Scalloped Sink Basin
$3,108 / item
H 5.5 in W 27.5 in D 13 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Iroko Wood by Master Studio for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Neatly proportioned with exceptional detailing, the constant nightstand is your perfect bedside partner. In our furniture making, the IDEA is to create special pieces that you can bu...
Category

2010s South African Minimalist Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Hardwood

Panoplie Petite Iron Tripod Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petite iron tripod lamp with slender legs and tapered feet. New wiring and new oyster linen shade. Multiple available, sold individually. Takes one E12 base bulb, up to 25 W or highe...
Category

2010s Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Iron

Panoplie Petite Iron Tripod Lamp
Panoplie Petite Iron Tripod Lamp
$925 / item
H 11.5 in Dm 6.25 in
Unique Venetian Italian Paint Decorated Secretary Desk with Bookcase Circa 1890s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This Venetian Italian paint decorated secretary desk with bookcase, circa 1890s, is a remarkable example of hand-crafted artistry and old-world European charm. Exuding the opulence a...
Category

1890s Italian Neoclassical Revival Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Walnut

19th Century American Walnut "Wells Fargo" Desk by Wooton Desk. Co
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality and impressive standard grade American walnut Wootton Desk Co. "Wells Fargo" desk, of substantial form, with three quarter gallery and hinged frieze, havin...
Category

19th Century American High Victorian Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Walnut

19th Century English William IV Fruitwood Writing Table or Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome 19th century English William IV writing table or desk crafted from mixed fruitwood and oak. The table has storage drawers on each end with patinated brass pulls. The top has...
Category

19th Century English William IV Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Brass

The Howard, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Introducing the home collection. A small selection of timeless Flemish designs made by hand for us in a small third generation workshop in Belgium. Has been used by many influent...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Linen

The Howard, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair
The Howard, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair
$5,021 / item
H 35.44 in W 35.44 in D 31.5 in
Fine 19th Century English Chinoiserie and Red Lacquered Slant Front Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine and elaborated 19th century Chinoiserie red lacquered slant front secretary. Hand painted and raised decoration. The interior with pigeon holes and drawers and a writing ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wood

c1900 French Antique Louis XVI Style Burl Wood Secretary/ Desk - Petite Size
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1900 French Antique Louis XVI style Petite Secretary/ Desk. Louis XVI style and made from Exotic Burl Wood. Upper cabinet book storage/ display. Drawer storage below.
Category

Early 1900s Louis XVI Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Burl

The Lily, Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Sofa
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Introducing the home collection. An iconic, unobtrusive design. A small selection of timeless Flemish designs made by hand for us in a small third generation workshop in Belgiu...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Linen

The Lily, Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Sofa
The Lily, Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Sofa
$10,162 / item
H 31.5 in W 106.3 in D 39.38 in
Antique French Cherry Wood Kitchen Table or Small Desk or Writing Table Restored
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Country French Small kitchen table or nice size small writing table or desk. Single drawer on one-side with hand-cut dovetail construction. The antique French writing table i...
Category

1890s French Country Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s

Materials

Wood, Cherry

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Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of antique writing desk early 1900s for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and hardwood, all antique writing desk early 1900s available were constructed with great care. Antique writing desk early 1900s have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of antique writing desk early 1900s to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Louis XVI, Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau antique writing desk early 1900s are of considerable interest. Many antique writing desk early 1900s are appealing in their simplicity, but Charles Limbert, Erhard & Söhne and Friedrich Otto Schmidt produced popular antique writing desk early 1900s that are worth a look.

How Much are Antique Writing Desk Early 1900s?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,784, while they’re typically $366 on the low end and $52,454 highest priced.

Finding the Right Desks-writing-tables for You

Choosing the perfect writing desk or writing table is a profoundly personal journey, one that people have been embarking upon for centuries.

Queen Atossa of Persia, from her writing table circa 500 B.C., is said to have been the originator of the art of handwritten letters. Hers was reportedly the first in a long and colorful history of penned correspondence that grew in popularity alongside literacy. The demand for suitable writing desks, which would serve the composer of the letters as well as ensure the comfort of the recipient naturally followed, and the design of these necessary furnishings has evolved throughout history.

Once people began to seek freedom from the outwardly ornate styles of the walnut and rosewood writing desks and drafting tables introduced in the name of Queen Victoria and King Louis XV, radical shifts occurred, such as those that materialized during the Art Nouveau period, when designers longed to produce furniture inspired by the natural world’s beauty. A prime example is the work of the famous late-19th-century Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí — his rolltop desk featured deep side drawers and was adorned with carved motifs that paid tribute to nature. Gaudí regularly combined structural precision with decorative elements, creating beautiful pieces of furniture in wood and metal.

Soon afterward, preferences for sleek, geometric, stylized forms in furniture that saw an emphasis on natural wood grains and traditional craftsmanship took hold. Today, Art Deco desks are still favored by designers who seek to infuse interiors with an air of luxury. One of the most prominent figures of the Art Deco movement was French decorator and furniture designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. With his use of neoclassical motifs as well as expensive and exotic materials such as imported dark woods and inlays of precious metals for his writing desks, Ruhlmann came to symbolize good taste and modernity.

The rise in appreciation for Scandinavian modernism continues to influence the design of contemporary writing desks. It employs the “no fuss” or “less is more” approach to creating a tasteful, sophisticated space. Sweden’s master cabinetmaker Bruno Mathsson created gallery-worthy designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. Finnish architect Alvar Aalto never viewed himself as an artist, but, like Mathsson, his furniture designs reflected a fondness for organic materials and a humanistic approach. Danish designers such as Hans Wegner introduced elegant shapes and lines to mid-century desks and writing tables, often working in oak and solid teak.

From vintage desks to contemporary styles, 1stDibs offers a broad spectrum of choices for conducting all personal and business writing and reading activities.