Antique Kneehole Desks
DESKS: KNEEHOLE
Kneehole desks were made in the 18th century about 1700`s-1780`s
Mahogany kneehole desk with bracket feet about 1760-1770,
A small and attractive piece, originally devised as a dressing-table, not a desk, but in appearance like a chest of drawers with a central recessed kneehole space backed by a cupboard. Occasionally a hinged top, lifting to reveal fitments for dressing accessories; rarely, a secretaire drawer.
One long drawer above two tiers of three small drawers of graduated depth. Generally a shaped apron fronting recess between. Overhanging top with moulded edge. Base moulding above either four or six bracket feet (ogee after about 1750). Maybe a brushing (or writing) slide immediately below top.
Door of recessed cupboard often panelled; sometimes flush, with cock-beaded edge to match drawer fronts.
Straight or serpentine front; sometimes with canted corners; these either plain, or carved, sometimes with half-columns, pilasters. (See CHESTS OF DRAWERS, p. 92).
Walnut, mahogany; occasionally other indigenous hardwoods. Pine (with oak for drawer linings) for carcase when veneered. Sometimes also mahogany around 1760.
Conversions from chests of drawers were common, particularly in early 20thC. Despite the high costs involved most ended up as four-feet type (to save creating two new ones).
Dovetails and suitable timber for drawer linings, as well as the new recessed door and inner sides, have to be well-matched in colour and grain to be convincing. Check the edges of the drawers for equal wear on both sides and for similar wear from the movement of drawers within the carcase. New locks will have been fitted and handles possibly repositioned.
Standard methods employed, as for chests of drawers.
Both decoration and handles as for chests of drawers (see p. 93). Decorative veneers and/or marquetry on walnut; sometimes restrained carving on mahogany.
Varnish on walnut; stain on mahogany. Both followed by wax polish.
VALUES
These are valuable antique kneehole desks when right, especially if walnut or with secretaire or dressing drawer. Prices invariably well into four figures; be suspicious if not.
Edwardian ‘Sheraton’ kneehole desk.
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Tags: Antique, chest, chest of drawers, CHESTS, chests of drawers, decorative veneers, Desks, Door, drawer fronts, Drawers, dressing table, Edwardian, half columns, mahogany, marquetry, secretaire, Straight, VALUES