What is a roll top desk?

A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What era are roll top desks from?

Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.

What is a roll top desk called?

Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.

What is the point of a roll top desk?

A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.

How much is a roll top desk worth?

A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.

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.

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.

Cherry Roll Top Desk

Walnut Veneer Bureau

Writing Desk Bureau

French Louis Xvi Desk Marquetry

Bureau Cylindre Louis Xvi

Biedermeier Roll-Top Desk, Cherry Veneer, Brass, Ink, South Germany circa 1820

$12,830

H 51.58 in W 45.67 in D 23.63 in

Biedermeier Roll-Top Desk, Cherry Veneer, Brass, Ink, South Germany circa 1820

Located in Regensburg, DE

High-quality early Biedermeier Roll-top or Cylinder Secretaire or Writing Cabinet from South

Category

Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Roll-Top Desk, Austria, circa 1800

$5,650

H 49.81 in W 55.52 in D 33.08 in

Neoclassical Roll-Top Desk, Austria, circa 1800

Located in Greding, DE

Large roll-top desk out of solid cherry wood. The base with seven drawers stands on tapered legs

Category

Antique Early 1800s Austrian Neoclassical Secretaires

Materials

Cherry

Recent Sales

1820s Modern Design Biedermeier Roll Top Desk

Unavailable

H 37 in W 37 in D 35 in

1820s Modern Design Biedermeier Roll Top Desk

Located in Long Island City, NY

a reference book from 1991. Only one second roll top desk I came across in 47 years and which I sold

Category

Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry, Ebony, Maple, Pine

Early 19th century roll top desk

Unavailable

H 37.01 in W 37.41 in D 19.69 in

Early 19th century roll top desk

Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur

Roll top opening by 4 drawers and 2 little doors ,on cabriolet leggs. Cherry and marquetry of

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Biedermeier Desks

Materials

Wood, Cherry

Very Elegant Roll-Top Secretaire or Bureau Desk, 1790s

Sold

H 42.92 in W 44.1 in D 23.63 in

Very Elegant Roll-Top Secretaire or Bureau Desk, 1790s

Located in Greding, DE

Very elegant roll-top secretaire or bureau desk, cherrywood. Classicism style. West Germany

Category

Antique 1790s German Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Antique Victorian Eastlake Cherry & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary Desk C1890

Sold

H 83.25 in W 35.25 in D 23.5 in

Antique Victorian Eastlake Cherry & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary Desk C1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Victorian Eastlake Cherry & Burl Barrel Roll Top Secretary Desk & Bookcase with Incised Decoration

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Eastlake Desks

Materials

Burl

18th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk

Sold

H 45.75 in W 43 in D 23 in

18th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk

Located in Winter Park, FL

A fine 18th century Louis XVI period bureau à cylindre, or roll top desk, made of solid walnut with

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

19th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk

Sold

H 43 in W 48 in D 24 in

19th Century Louis XVI Bureau à Cylindre or Roll Top Desk

Located in Winter Park, FL

A fine early 19th century Louis XVI period bureau à cylindre, or roll top desk, made of solid

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Roll Top Desk

Sold

H 54 in W 43 in D 23 in

Roll Top Desk

Located in Alexandria, VA

. Drawers both above and below work section. Roll top opens to reveal slide-out, leather-topped work

Category

Antique 19th Century Desks

Materials

Cherry, Poplar

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Antique Derby School Paneled Oak Roll Top Desk with Full Interior, C1900

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Located in Big Flats, NY

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English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century

$2,400

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English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century

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English Mahogany secretary desk, 19th century Three pieces: Crown, upper drawers and lower cabinet. Lowest draw pulls out as a secretary desk. Measures: 21" deep x 46.5" wide x 80.5"...

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$1,417

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Located in Leicester, GB

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Small 18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase

$7,896

H 76.5 in W 29 in D 16.5 in

Small 18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase

Located in Lymington, GB

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Antique 18th Century Bookcases

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George III Bureau Desk or Secretary Chest of Mahogany from the 18th Century

$6,895

H 44 in W 47 in D 23 in

George III Bureau Desk or Secretary Chest of Mahogany from the 18th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A fine George III slant top desk or bureau secretary chest of patinated mahogany, c.1770 - an inlaid slant front drops to reveal a series of small drawers and document compartments, ...

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Antique French Secretary

$8,499

H 59 in W 35 in D 17 in

Antique French Secretary

Located in Malibu, CA

This early 19th-century drop-leaf secretaire features the traditional Biedermeier ebony accents, columns, and matched woodgrain pattern. Unlike the high gloss finish of many pieces f...

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Rare Egon Ostergaard Swedish Roll-Top Secretary Desk Bookmatched Teak & Rosewood

$2,200

H 39 in W 35.5 in D 19 in

Rare Egon Ostergaard Swedish Roll-Top Secretary Desk Bookmatched Teak & Rosewood

By Egon Ostergaard

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Designed by Egon Ostergaard in the 1950s, this desk was made some time after by Gustafsson in Sweden. Similar to other pieces of the era and origin, this desk features awesome graine...

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Early 19th Century Mahogany Secretary

$5,179

H 47.25 in W 42.92 in D 23.63 in

Early 19th Century Mahogany Secretary

Located in Stahnsdorf, DE

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18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase China Cabinet

$20,250

H 94 in W 42 in D 23 in

18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase China Cabinet

Located in Lymington, GB

A fine English mid-18th century mahogany secretaire / secretary / bookcase / china cabinet. Of lovely, deep, rich color, patina and quality. George III-period, circa 1760. The bold...

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Antique 1740s English George III Cabinets

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19th Century Biedermeier Nutwood Secretary Desk/ Secretaire, Austria ca. 1820/25

$9,400

H 62.2 in W 38.19 in D 17.32 in

19th Century Biedermeier Nutwood Secretary Desk/ Secretaire, Austria ca. 1820/25

Located in Lichtenberg, AT

Splendid early 19th century Biedermeier secretaire/ secretary desk from the renowed period in Vienna/ Austria around 1820/25. A spectacular, early example of a Biedermeier secretary ...

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Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Secretaires

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Austro-Hungarian Secrétaire à Abattant

$20,500

H 61.5 in W 40 in D 19.75 in

Austro-Hungarian Secrétaire à Abattant

Located in Woodbury, CT

Wearing a layer of Austrian walnut root veneer, this secrétaire has a unique grain that one does not often see; it swirls and undulates across the surface drawing the eye along in a ...

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Antique 19th Century Hungarian Biedermeier Secretaires

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Walnut, Burl

1820’s Biedermeier Fall Top Desk, Cherry

$16,000

H 67.72 in W 38.59 in D 20.87 in

1820’s Biedermeier Fall Top Desk, Cherry

Located in Belmont, MA

1820’s Biedermeier Fall Top Desk in Cherry Veneer The 1820’s Biedermeier fall top desk features stunning book-matched cherry veneer, adding warmth and sophistication. Its lower secti...

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Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Secretaires

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Leather, Birch, Cherry

Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, Inlays, Brass, South Germany circa 1830

$14,125

H 72.45 in W 46.86 in D 25.4 in

Biedermeier Secretaire, Cherry Veneer, Inlays, Brass, South Germany circa 1830

Located in Regensburg, DE

Large, original Biedermeier Secretaire from South Germany around 1840. Cherry veneered on softwood and solid cherry. Solid cherry solid columns with carved Corinthian capitals. Pro...

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Antique 1830s Austrian Biedermeier Secretaires

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Iron, Tin

19th Century Empire Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant, Chest France

$5,450

H 58.67 in W 38.98 in D 18.51 in

19th Century Empire Drop-Front Oak Secretary Desk or Abattant, Chest France

Located in Miami, FL

Secretaire a abattant, France circa 1820, Biedermeier period. The outside with fall front and two drawers flanked by two ebonized columns shows a beautiful oak veneer design. The woo...

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Antique Early 19th Century French Biedermeier Secretaires

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Bronze

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Questions About Cherry Roll Top Desk

What is a roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A roll top desk is a piece of furniture that has a wooden cover that can be pulled down when the desk is not in use. Shop a collection of roll top furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What era are roll top desks from?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Roll-top desks are originally from the late 18th century in the Georgian era of England. By the middle of the Victorian era, they were found in most offices and produced on a large scale. Shop a range of antique roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
What is a roll top desk called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Sometimes, roll-top desks are called tambours, sliding roll desks or roll-up desks. However, roll-top is the most commonly used name. The style of desk became popular during the 19th century. You can find a range of roll-top desks on 1stDibs.
What is the point of a roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A roll top desk kept small essentials and paperwork organized. The roll top design was ideal for business people to secure their desks at the end of the day without filing away their work. Browse a variety of roll top desks on 1stDibs.
How much is a roll top desk worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A roll top desk can be worth anywhere between $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the condition, materials used and time of manufacturing. Roll top desks are expensive, as they are very popular on the antique furniture market and are considered timeless collectibles. Shop a range of antique and vintage roll top desks on 1stDibs.
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.
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.