Skip to main content

Circa 1888 Antique Swedish Writing Desk in Birch with Matching Ballon Back Chair

Circa 1888 Antique Swedish Writing Desk in Birch with Matching Ballon Back Chair

View Similar Items

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Circa 1790

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Circa 1790

Antique Swedish Wide Curly Birch Pedestal Desk, Circa 1820-1840

Antique Swedish Wide Curly Birch Pedestal Desk, Circa 1820-1840

Vintage Viking Oak Kneehole Writing Desk with Matching Chair by Romweber

Vintage Viking Oak Kneehole Writing Desk with Matching Chair by Romweber

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary

Antique English Mahogany Writing Desk with Chippendale Fretwork, circa 1880

Antique English Mahogany Writing Desk with Chippendale Fretwork, circa 1880

Antique Fine Quality Small Georgian Revival Satin Birch Writing Table Desk

Antique Fine Quality Small Georgian Revival Satin Birch Writing Table Desk

A Black Rococo Foldable Writing Desk With Drawers, Circa 18th Century Sweden

A Black Rococo Foldable Writing Desk With Drawers, Circa 18th Century Sweden

Split Bamboo Desk & Matching Chair

Split Bamboo Desk & Matching Chair

Antique English Mahogany Writing Desk, Circa 1875-1895

Antique English Mahogany Writing Desk, Circa 1875-1895

19th Century Swedish Style Shopkeeper's Slant Front Writing Desk

19th Century Swedish Style Shopkeeper's Slant Front Writing Desk

Oak Writing Desk, circa 1860

Oak Writing Desk, circa 1860

Video Loading

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 12

Circa 1888 Antique Swedish Writing Desk in Birch with Matching Ballon Back Chair

About the Item

An exquisite 19th-century Swedish writing desk and matching balloon back chair, dated 1888, in the style of its Gustavian heritage. Featuring beautifully aged flame birch with a warm, rich patina that has developed over more than a century of use. This desk remains in its original condition, thoughtfully preserved to showcase its history and craftsmanship. Handcrafted in Sweden, circa 1888, as indicated by the faint, hand-scribed marking inside the drawer. Constructed from solid flame birch, a prized Scandinavian hardwood, with pine interior drawers—a signature of quality Swedish furniture from this era. Features hand-cut dovetail joinery, a hallmark of pre-industrial craftsmanship before machine-made techniques became widespread. The center drawer lock is functional and comes with a key. The two side drawers have locks, though they are no longer operational. This desk is structurally sound and fully functional. It does not require delicate handling and is ready for daily use. The surface exhibits beautiful, authentic aged wear, with softened edges and subtle markings that tell its story. This patina enhances its character and makes it a striking statement piece in a clean, modern space. Includes its original balloon-back chair, which remains sturdy and supportive. While the seat fabric could benefit from reupholstering, the webbing and structure are intact, providing reliable comfort. With its Gustavian-influenced design and restrained elegance, this desk and chair set seamlessly blend into a variety of interiors—from classic European-inspired spaces to modern, minimalist settings where its timeworn beauty can take center stage. This is a rare opportunity to own a truly functional antique that carries over 130 years of history while remaining practical and visually captivating.

Similar to:
Ephraim Stahl (Cabinetmaker)
Dimensions:
Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 44.25 in (112.4 cm)Depth: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)
Style:
Gustavian (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Birch
Place of Origin:
Sweden
Period:
1880-1889
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1888
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. This set is in original condition. It has aged authentically. It is structurally sound and functional.
Seller Location:
Unionville, TN
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU10211244123482

More From This Seller

19th Century English Mahogany Butler's Desk Unrestored - Restoration in Progress

By George Hepplewhite

Located in Unionville, TN

This early 19th-century English mahogany butler’s desk, dating to circa 1800-1810, exemplifies the craftsmanship and refined utility of its time. Crafted from richly grained mahogany...

Category

Antique Early 1800s English Regency Desks

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century English Mahogany Butler's Desk Unrestored - Restoration in Progress

19th Century English Mahogany Butler's Desk Unrestored - Restoration in Progress

$3,580

Circa 1880 Victorian Parlor Rocking Chair

Located in Unionville, TN

This late 19th-century Victorian cane rocker belonged to Minnie Firestone Adams, born in 1888 in Arkansas. It has remained in her family for over a century and was entrusted to us to...

Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Rocking Chairs

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Circa 1880 Victorian Parlor Rocking Chair

Circa 1880 Victorian Parlor Rocking Chair

$640

Vintage Cain Sloan Gold Tufted Barrel Upholstered Chair

By Lewittes Furniture Enterprises

Located in Unionville, TN

When I flipped this velvet barrel-back chair over, I found a shipping tag from Cain-Sloan Co., one of Nashville’s most iconic department stores. Founded in 1903 and once located on C...

Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Vintage Cain Sloan Gold Tufted Barrel Upholstered Chair

Vintage Cain Sloan Gold Tufted Barrel Upholstered Chair

$1,080

19th Century Empire Wig Cabinet Dresser - Unrestored, Restoration in Progress

Located in Unionville, TN

A rare example of American Empire craftsmanship, this circa 1840 wig cabinet showcases the bold, sculptural lines and refined materials characteristic of the period. Constructed from...

Category

Antique 1840s American American Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

19th Century Empire Wig Cabinet Dresser - Unrestored, Restoration in Progress

19th Century Empire Wig Cabinet Dresser - Unrestored, Restoration in Progress

$5,150

Early 19th Century American Empire Rosewood Veneered Bed

Located in Unionville, TN

A museum-worthy American Empire bed, circa 1820, crafted from solid walnut with Rosewood veneer. The bed features hand-cut mortise-and-tenon joinery, and original large iron bed bolt...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Empire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Early 19th Century American Empire Rosewood Veneered Bed

Early 19th Century American Empire Rosewood Veneered Bed

$25,000

Free Shipping

18th Century Colonial Walnut Rope Poster Bed

Located in Unionville, TN

This remarkable circa 1790 walnut rope bed represents a rare and exceptional example of late 18th-century American craftsmanship, likely originating from the Pennsylvania region. Con...

Category

Antique 1790s American Federal Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

18th Century Colonial Walnut Rope Poster Bed

18th Century Colonial Walnut Rope Poster Bed

$3,500

You May Also Like

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Circa 1790

Located in Atlanta, GA

This 18th-century Swedish Gustavian writing desk, circa 1790, embodies the clean lines and restrained elegance characteristic of the Gustavian style, which was inspired by the neocla...

Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks

Materials

Brass

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Circa 1790

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Circa 1790

$4,950

Antique Swedish Wide Curly Birch Pedestal Desk, Circa 1820-1840

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish pedestal curly birch desk, circa 1820-40. This antique desk from Sweden features a four foot long, rectangular-shaped top which overhangs the apr...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

Antique Swedish Wide Curly Birch Pedestal Desk, Circa 1820-1840

Antique Swedish Wide Curly Birch Pedestal Desk, Circa 1820-1840

$3,360

Vintage Viking Oak Kneehole Writing Desk with Matching Chair by Romweber

By Romweber Furniture Co.

Located in Lafayette, IN

Excellent vintage writing desk in the Viking Oak style by the Romweber Furniture Co. of Batesville, IN. This charming desk features wonderful relief carved details, solid oak constru...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Desks

Materials

Brass

Vintage Viking Oak Kneehole Writing Desk with Matching Chair by Romweber

Vintage Viking Oak Kneehole Writing Desk with Matching Chair by Romweber

$999 Sale Price / set

66% Off

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original circa 1860 Mahogany library table with built in twin writing slopes This is a very r...

Category

Antique 1860s English High Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

Rare Antique circa 1860 Library Writing Table Desk with Twin Writing Slopes

$3,240 Sale Price

20% Off

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary

Located in San Angelo, TX

This beautiful and unique 19th century Swedish Gustavian writing desk is perfect for any room or hallway. The colors are amazing with th...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Writing Desk Secretary

$2,396 Sale Price

20% Off

Antique English Mahogany Writing Desk with Chippendale Fretwork, circa 1880

By Edwards & Roberts

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique English mahogany writing desk with Chippendale fretwork and Galleried top, circa 1880. Made by Edwards & Roberts.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chippendale Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Mahogany Writing Desk with Chippendale Fretwork, circa 1880

Antique English Mahogany Writing Desk with Chippendale Fretwork, circa 1880

$4,500

Recently Viewed

More Ways To Browse

Antique Markings

Chair With Drawer

Antique Birch Furniture

Antique Desk Sweden

Swedish Writing Desk

Antique Desk Drawer Lock

Antique Pine Office Desk

Antique Desk Locks And Keys

Matching Set Of Drawers

Antique Writing Chair

Antique Swedish Writing Desk

Antique Chair With Drawer

Antique Industrial Machines

Antique Writing Desk Chairs

Balloon Back Chair

View All Popular Desks Searches