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Antique Watchmaker’s or Jeweler’s Workbench or Tall Desk, 1920s

About the Item

A wonderful 1920s watchmaker’s or jeweler’s multi-drawer wood workbench that’s a good height and size to serve as a standing desk when not seated on a tall stool or chair. We can also see it repurposed as a very charming and functional kitchen island or retail checkstand, with its task-driven details and authentic character telling a very interesting story. Sturdily constructed primarily of pine with elements of oak and maple, all bearing a warm cognac satin finish. Original forest green linoleum top, with decorative brass nailheads and rosette added later to camouflage holes from the mounting of various work-related tools and devices over the years. A small cast iron vise remains mounted at front right. Storage includes a dozen drawers and two cabinets with brass pulls, as well as a deep cubby. Drawer at far left holds a pair of whetstones, and below which is a slidable tray. Pull-out canvas screen at center designed to catch wayward watch or jewelry parts. Lower back crosspiece angled to serve as a footrest when seated. Includes original owner’s business card, which enabled us to uncover that he was notable enough in his field to garner a brief mention in the February 7, 1929, issue of The Jewelers’ Circular magazine: “Gustav H. Horst, watchmaker, has removed his offices to the Howard building, at 209 Post St., San Francisco, Cal.” Additional photos can be provided upon request. Overall dimensions are listed below. Specific dimensions are as follows: Work surface: H 40.38 in. x W 43.63 in. x D 20.13 in. Seating area: H 31 in. x W 23.5 in. x D 15 in. (to front edge of footrest). Footprint: W 37.63 in. D 18.38 in.

Dimensions:
Height: 42.75 in (108.59 cm)Width: 44.63 in (113.37 cm)Depth: 21.38 in (54.31 cm)
Style:
American Craftsman (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Iron,Maple,Oak,Pine,Stone,Wood,Cast
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1920-1929
Date of Manufacture:
1920s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Very handsome for an antique workbench. Top: discoloration and some mostly tiny marks and a few indentations to linoleum; front edge with nicks/scores. Body: various tiny/small nicks/marks, mostly near floor; black residue on shelf; hole in canvas.
Seller Location:
San Francisco, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU955019201792

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