What is the rolling part of a roll top desk called?

What is the rolling part of a roll top desk called?

tambour
The rolling part of a roll-top desk is actually a tambour: a flexible sliding shutter. The tambour, French for “drum,” was favored by the Sheraton and Hepplewhite schools of the late 1700’s. It is made of a series of closely set wooden ribs. They are glued to a backing of strong cloth, and move in guiding grooves.

What was the condition of roll top desk?

What was the condition of the roll-top desk? The roll-top desk that the author spotted in the junkshop was in bad condition. The roll-top desk was broken in several pieces, one leg was clumsily mended and there were scorch marks all down one side. Besides, the Veneer had lifted almost everywhere because of water.

How old is roll top desk?

The rolltop desk was re-invented by Jacob Alles in Jasper, Indiana in 1879. “About 1760 Jean-François Oeben designed a new type of bureau: the original rolltop desk. The writing area can be covered by a shutter made of flexible slats, which is rolled round a cylinder hidden behind the top tier of drawers.

How do you unlock a rolltop desk without a key?

How to Unlock an Antique Rolltop Desk

1. Unbend one metal paperclip, turning it into a long, thin tool for picking your desk lock.
2. Slide your paperclip back into the lock, running it across the top of the lock.
3. Push a second paperclip or a screwdriver into the lock.
4. Insert your paperclip back into the lock.

How much is an old secretary desk worth?

The desks are highly sought after by collectors and can be quite expensive. Authentic antique secretary’s desks range in value from $500 to more than $30,000, but you may be able to find one at an online auction site or a local estate sale for $200 to $400.

What era are roll top desks from?

First introduced into England from France in the late 18th century, the rolltop desk had become a standard piece of office equipment by the end of the 19th century and was mass-produced in large quantities.

Are old roll top desks worth anything?

Antique Roll Top Desk Values Vintage roll top desks can be found in many price ranges. It is possible to find a vintage roll top desk at a thrift store for fewer than a hundred dollars; while at the same time a very high quality desk may be found at auction for well over ten thousand.

Why was the roll top desk sold for very little money?

The roll-top desk was sold at a less price as it was an old piece and it was damaged way too much. Explanation: When the writer of the story went there to find something, nothing was pleasing the writer.

Why did Mrs Connie avoid using electricity?

She was hundred and one years old. She was very lovely. She had white silver hair and wrinkles on the skin. But she used candle rather than electricity because according to her, electricity was too expensive.

What makes a roll top desk an antique?

A roll-top desk wihout blemishes is likely an antique reproduction. Roll-top desks came into existence in the United States during the latter part of the 19th century. Each desk featured a rolling door that slid up and down to reveal or conceal built-in pigeonholes, shelves and a flat writing surface.

How can you tell the age of a roll top desk?

Each desk featured a rolling door that slid up and down to reveal or conceal built-in pigeonholes, shelves and a flat writing surface. The exterior facade of a roll-top desk as well as its construction can provide visual clues as to its age. Trustworthy resources can help confirm your age calculations.

What kind of desk was popular in 19th century?

However, the Davenport became popular on dry land in the 19th century, in homes throughout England and the United States. Originally a simple chest of drawers with a swivel top, it grew increasingly ornate, with pilasters or cabriole legs in front. It traditionally rests on bun feet, often with castors to make it portable from room to room.

Where did the drop front desk come from?

This popular type of desk, also known as a drop-front, originated in Spain in the 16th century as the vargueño. Since then it’s been incorporated into many different desk styles, including the Butler’s desk pictured.

What kind of desk is a rolltop desk?

Some vintage rolltop desks featured a typical kneehole, while others forewent one in favor of a writing surface that could be slid out when needed. The latter resulted in antique rolltop desks that could be easily mistaken for a dresser, if not for their uniquely domed tops.

Where are the hinges on a rolltop desk?

Note that the back frame of the top is separated from where the rolltop door comes down. These are mounted to the back with 2 hinges, which I saw on a rolltop desk, and liked. I did not realize at the time that this was a lifesaver when putting in and out the rolltop drawer. The next step was to create the rolltop door.

How to determine the age of an antique roll top desk?

Trustworthy resources can help confirm your age calculations. Take a good look at the type of wood the roll-top desk is made of to help you determine its age. The early roll-top desks were typically constructed from cherry, mahogany or black walnut, while oak was often used after 1900.

What to do with an oak rolltop desk?

Whether it be a ceramic drum stool or metal tabouret, a shapely seat will soften an oak or walnut rolltop desk’s old fashioned overtones. To lend cohesion in a more casual space, a funky ottoman or pouf could also be procured.