Skip to main content

Shell Top Desk

1
to
49
282
199
216
191
87
83
77
64
47
35
31
22
20
18
15
15
14
14
13
13
13
12
12
11
10
7
7
6
6
6
5
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
8
6
5
4
4
Sort By
Vintage Regency Maitland Smith Tessellated Coconut Shell Writing Desk
By Maitland Smith
Located in west palm beach, FL
tessellated coconut shell frame with a hand painted leather top. Wrought iron and brass base. Acquired from a
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Antique Chippendale Style Leather Top Desk
Located in London, GB
A fantastic antique desk in the Chippendale style. This was made in England, it dates from around
Category

Antique 1890s British Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique Chippendale Style Leather Top Desk
Antique Chippendale Style Leather Top Desk
H 31.11 in W 49.22 in D 29.14 in
Large Francois Linke Roll Top Desk
By François Linke
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large and very fine Francois Linke roll top desk French late 19th-early 20th century Bureau a
Category

Antique Early 1900s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Large Francois Linke Roll Top Desk
Large Francois Linke Roll Top Desk
H 49 in W 58 in D 32 in
19th C Chippendale Style Mahogany Block Front Shell Carved Secretary Desk Lowboy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
wooden dowel construction to the top, shell and acanthus leaf carved drop front with fitted interior, and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

George III Inlaid Slant Top Desk
Located in Wilson, NC
George III inlaid slant top desk, the top and fall board crossbanded with satinwood and ebony, the
Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Desks

Materials

Brass

George III Inlaid Slant Top Desk
George III Inlaid Slant Top Desk
H 43 in W 37 in D 21 in
18th Century French Cherrywood 'Bureau de Pente' Slant Top Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
graceful and functional bureau de pente from the late 18th century, this cherrywood slant top writing desk
Category

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

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Louis XV Carved Cherry Desk with Tan Leather Top
Located in Dallas, TX
carved with floral, shell and foliage motifs. The surface is dressed with a tan leather top embellished
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Cherry

18th Century French Louis XV Carved Serpentine Cherry Desk with Parquetry Top
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique partner desk was created in the Poitou region of France, circa 1790. Made of
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Louis XIV Red Marble Top Carved Bleached Oak Table Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
. Built of oak and heavily carved, the small desk stand on curved legs decorated with men head figures and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Marble

Faux Tortoiseshell Partners Desk by Maitland-Smith
By Maitland Smith
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Desk by Maitland-Smith Desk is finished on all sides so it looks beautiful anywhere in a room. It
Category

Vintage 1980s Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stone, Brass

Fantastic French 19th Century Boulle Desk with Bronze Mounts
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in New Orleans, LA
sculpted brass inlaid in the tortoise shell. The desk is created in the style of Louis XV with cabriole
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

Continental Régence Inspired Commode With Rococo Carved Desk Top
Located in Free Union, VA
An exuberantly carved antique Northern European desk (probably Dutch) of unusual form: a serpentine
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Dutch Rococo Revival Desks

Materials

Brass

Mahogany Chippendale Style Block Front Secretary Desk with Bookcase Top
Located in Milford, NH
A spectacular example of a two part mahogany secretary desk with bookcase top in the Chippendale
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Chippendale Desks

Materials

Brass

American Chippendale Mahogany Oxbow Slant Top Desk. Boston, Circa 1770
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Chippendale mahogany oxbow slant top four drawer desk with exposed dove tail, original
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Chippendale Desks

French Louis XIV Style Leather Top Desk with Brass Mounts
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Made in France. A Louis XV style desk with brown tooled leather shaped top and brass banded edge
Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XIV Desks

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Louis XV St. Ebony, Tortoiseshell, Brass, and Leather Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Boulle st. desk. The desk is raised by four elegant cabriole legs with fine fitted foliate ormolu sabots
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

Antique Country French Double-Faced Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique Country French Double-Faced Desk was crafted by master artisans creating a superlative
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Régence Style Marquetry Writing Desk
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A magnificent and very rare Régence style marquetry inlaid grand bureau plat or writing desk
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

Régence Style Marquetry Writing Desk
Régence Style Marquetry Writing Desk
H 37.41 in W 87.8 in D 43.31 in
Bert England Walnut Desk for John Widdicomb
By John Widdicomb, Bert England
Located in Philadelphia, PA
wear and vinyl top shows some damage as seen in photos. Unusual Desk with a unique feel and design!
Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Faux Leather, Walnut

19th Century French Kingwood Ormolu Mounted Desk
Located in Martlesham, GB
rectangular shaped top with an ormolu moulded edge, decorative shell engraved corner mounts, kingwood cross
Category

Antique 1860s French Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Kingwood

19th Century Shell-Shaped, White Porcelain Inkwell
Located in Paris, FR
White porcelain inkwell in the form of a shell, highlighted with gold and resting on a square base
Category

Antique 1820s French Inkwells

Materials

Gold

Boho Chic Reed and Wicker Writing Desk by Whitecraft
Located in Delray Beach, FL
with a wicker glass top. Drawers are accented by wooden sea shell handles.
Category

Vintage 1980s Philippine Regency Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wicker, Reed, Glass

19th Century French Louis XV Desk, Dining Table
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French Louis XV desk ~ Dining table is an exceptionally versatile piece, perfect for
Category

Antique 1890s French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Writing Desk Made of Walnut
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
with wooden wedges and also carved with volutes and a shell in the middle. Rectangular table top with
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique Art Deco English Sterling Silver Ink Desk Inkstand Desk Set London, 1910
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A Superb Example of an English Sterling Silver Art Deco Period Embossed twin ink bottle desk
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Desk Sets

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

19th Century French Boulle Louis XVI Style Mazarin / Desk
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality 19th century French Boulle Mazarin desk, having wonderful classical scrolling
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks

Materials

Brass

French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze-Mounted Kingwood Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
the desk's skirting, including grotesque masks at either side as well as shells and acanthus leaf
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique French Louis XIV Parquet Desk ~ Dining Table in Stripped Oak
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Louis XIV Parquet Desk ~ Dining Table in Stripped Oak is a jewel of the
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Exceptional Early 17th Century Spanish Walnut Vargueno Desk on Stand
Located in Benington, Herts
/ bargueno escritorio writing desk on trestle stand. Spain, Salamanca circa 1600-1630. This
Category

Antique 17th Century Spanish Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

1800's Antique French Napoleon III Period, Burlwood, Leather, Writing Desk
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous Antique Desk, Writing, French Napoleon III Period, Burlwood, Leather Lining, 1800s, 19th
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Fine English Edwardian Revolving Desk Chair
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
and shell inlaid top rails, shaped and string inlaid arms and closely studded serpentine seat with new
Category

Early 20th Century English Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Fine English Edwardian Revolving Desk Chair
Fine English Edwardian Revolving Desk Chair
H 33.071 in W 23.228 in D 20.866 in
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Napoleon III Period Mounted Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
' scrolled acanthus leaves and a central shell. The top has four corners richly decorated by inlaid brass
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

Fine Sheraton Revival Satinwood Inlaid Carlton House Desk. with Letter Boxes, Ci
By Thomas Sheraton
Located in Dereham, GB
Fine Sheraton Revival Satinwood inlaid Carlton House desk. with Letter boxes. circa 1880s
Category

Antique 1880s English Sheraton Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Satinwood

Important Italian Angiolo Barbetti Firenze Antique Cherub Desk Library Table
By Angiolo Barbetti
Located in GB
centre table, the cartouche shaped top with gadrooned edge and leather inset, the carved and pierced
Category

Antique 1860s Italian High Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

"Hunting table" desk or dining table by Børge Mogensen, Søborg Denmark
By Børge Mogensen, Soborg Furniture Factory
Located in Hägersten, SE
with teak feet. Brass runners and table top in teak. Works perfectly as either a dining table or desk
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Antique French Carved Oak Secretary Desk Bureau Drop Front Louis XV Style
Located in Shreveport, LA
classic carved French shells and scrolls. The top opens to reveal a fitted desk interior with two drawers
Category

Vintage 1920s French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Silver Table, English, Inlaid, Display, Writing Desk, Georgian, C.1780
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
parapet corners add significant character to the top surface To the centre, a striking inlaid scallop
Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Dutch Marquetry Cylinder Desk
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Dutch marquetry cylinder desk, 19th century. The top with conch shell and floral inlay, exposed
Category

Antique 19th Century European Neoclassical Desks

Materials

Brass

Dutch Marquetry Cylinder Desk
Dutch Marquetry Cylinder Desk
H 44.5 in W 42 in D 22 in
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Bureau Plat Desk
By Paul Sormani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
-drawer bureau plat attributed to Paul Sormani (French-Italian 1817-1877). The shaped rectangular top
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Paperweight with Seashore Theme Handmade with Real Sea Shells & Crab, circa 1970
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
seashore including a small crab and various different small sea shells, all carefully positioned and
Category

20th Century English Folk Art Paperweights

Materials

Acrylic

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Style Hand Carved Walnut Desk or Writing Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Louis XV style walnut writing table or desk features deep
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Rare Gilt-Bronze Mounted Marquetry Pedestal Desk by François Linke, circa 1900
By François Linke
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
LINKE/ SERRURERIE/PARIS' This rare pedestal desk has a shaped rectangular top with leather inset top
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Queen Anne Style Keehole Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality Queen Anne style oyster shell and inlaid kneehole desk. The top of the
Category

20th Century English Queen Anne Desks

Materials

Fruitwood, Mahogany

Queen Anne Style Keehole Desk
Queen Anne Style Keehole Desk
H 31.5 in W 34.5 in D 18 in
Antique Continental Ceramic Pink & Gilt Striped Shell or Oil Lamp Styled Inkwell
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
identify who it may be and have it posted as 'Unknown'. The inkwell is shaped in either a shell or oil lamp
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic

French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ebony, Ormolu, Pewter and Tortoiseshell Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Boulle Bureau Mazarin desk. The seven drawers, one door desk is raised by eight striking square tapered
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XIV Desks

Materials

Ormolu, Pewter

Fine French 19th Century Louis XV Style Tulipwood and Ormolu-Mounted Ladies Desk
By Maison Millet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
secretary desk, attributed to Maison Millet. The superstructure centered by a clock with a porcelain face
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century English Walnut Desk
Located in Savannah, GA
This is a walnut desk made in England, circa 1840. The top has a nicely shaped green leather
Category

Antique 1840s English Chippendale Desks

Materials

Walnut

19th Century English Walnut Desk
19th Century English Walnut Desk
H 32 in W 69.5 in D 31.5 in
19th Century Satinwood Knee Hole Desk
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th century satinwood inlaid pedestal desk. Having its original Moroccan
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Sheraton Desks

Materials

Satinwood

19th Century Satinwood Knee Hole Desk
19th Century Satinwood Knee Hole Desk
H 29.53 in W 43.31 in D 24.02 in
Majolica Rams Head English Decorated Partners Desk Stand with Inkwells
By William Brownfield
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish English majolica pottery partners desk stand with inkwells with ram heads by
Category

Antique 19th Century English High Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Pottery

Antique French Rococo Desk Louis XV Style
Located in Buxton, GB
) The top of the desk is covered in Red Leatherette with a Brass Border, there are 3 Drawers & a drawer
Category

20th Century French Rococo Desks

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Rococo Desk Louis XV Style
Antique French Rococo Desk Louis XV Style
H 31.5 in W 69.69 in D 33.08 in
Antique Knee Hole Desk, Georgian Mahogany 18th Century
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Georgian Mahogany Kneehole Desk. Standing on bracket feet. This piece features 7 Oak lined
Category

Antique 18th Century Georgian Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Early 1900s Regence Style Bleached Oak Partners Desk from France
Located in Dallas, TX
embellished with a foliate shell medallion over thin molding. Our well-carved partner’s desk from France would
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks

Materials

Oak

Georg Jensen Denmark Ornamental Shell 102 Pattern Sterling Silver Letter Opener
By Georg Jensen
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1930s. No monogram Shell design a top the handle with scroll accents. The hallmark dates the piece
Category

20th Century Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Deco Style Maitland-Smith Faux Ostrich Leather Writing Desk
By Maitland Smith
Located in Dallas, TX
, arranged in a geometric patchwork design. The top is made of broken abalone shells inlaid with brass that
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Desks

Materials

Brass

Sypher & Co. 19th Century Chippendale Block Front Slant Front Desk
By Sypher & Co.
Located in Parkesburg, PA
Sypher & Co. 19th century Chippendale block front slant front desk with excellent original finish
Category

Antique Late 19th Century North American Chippendale Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Small 19th Century French Boulle Bureau Plat
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Brighton, Sussex
top, brass inlay and tortoiseshell to the top, frieze and legs, gilded ormolu mounts, a single frieze
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Small 19th Century French Boulle Bureau Plat
Small 19th Century French Boulle Bureau Plat
H 28.35 in W 29.53 in D 18.9 in
French 1900 Edwardian Faux Tortoise Parasol Handle in 18kt Gold & Carved Citrine
Located in Miami, FL
with a screw to attach to any parasol or cane. The round gold parts on top are made with multiple leaf
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Desk Sets

Materials

Quartz, Gold

A Very Fine 19th Century Marquetry Inlaid Bureau Du Dame
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine 19th Century richly patinated fruitwood Bureau Du Dame. This gorgeous writing desk is
Category

Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century English Carved Partners Writing Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century Hand carved English writing partners desk. There are two working drawers on either
Category

Antique 19th Century English Renaissance Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Henri II Neoclassical Writing Table
Located in Dallas, TX
student desk, or just a handy table to have in any room that supplies a convenient, full width drawer
Category

Antique 1870s French Neoclassical Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Shell Top Desk", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Shell Top Desk For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic shell top desk available at 1stDibs. A shell top desk — often made from wood, metal and walnut — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a shell top desk, we have 427 options in-stock, while there are 9 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer shell top desk, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A shell top desk made by louis xv designers — as well as those associated with mid-century modern — is very popular. A well-made shell top desk has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by François Linke, Maitland Smith and Andrianna Shamaris are consistently popular.

How Much is a Shell Top Desk?

Prices for a shell top desk start at $125 and top out at $485,000 with the average selling for $4,599.
Questions About Shell Top Desk
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The leather top on a desk is usually just called a leather top. However, some people refer to it as a leather insert or leather writing surface. The thin pieces of leather that go into making leather-top desks are known as skivers. Shop a variety of desks from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
    Yes, you can paint a leather desk top. You can transform an old leather desk top and add visual appeal with easy-to-use leather paint. If you don’t feel confident in trying this by yourself, get in touch with a furniture restorer or related professional for help. Find a variety of leather desk tops on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.