Mid-Century Modern Pedestal Desk (Double Pedestal Desk)
Desk/Office (Writing Desk with drawers) · Mid-Century Modern (post-WWII, circa 1950s-1960s) · Likely a North American mass-market manufacturer such as Lane, Drexel, or a regional office furniture maker. No visible maker's mark in image.
Type
Desk/Office (Writing Desk with drawers)
Style Period
Mid-Century Modern (post-WWII, circa 1950s-1960s)
Material
Solid hardwood and veneers; specifically featuring Rosewood or figured Walnut veneers on drawer fronts with secondary pine/poplar for interior drawer boxes. Metal hardware elements (missing) and clear lacquer topcoat.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on grain patterns, handle styles, and construction techniques.
Dimensions
Approximately 30" high, 50"-60" wide, and 24"-30" deep. This fits the standard scale for mid-to-large executive or home office desks of the era.
Origin
Likely United States or Canada; the utilitarian construction and specific hardware holes are consistent with 1960s North American commercial/residential furniture.
Designer/Maker
Likely a North American mass-market manufacturer such as Lane, Drexel, or a regional office furniture maker. No visible maker's mark in image.
Value Estimate
$150 - $300 in current unrestored condition. Professional restoration and identification of a major manufacturer could increase value to $800 - $1,200.
Description
This Mid-Century Modern desk features a striking array of drawers with highly figured wood veneers that provide an organic contrast to its boxy, geometric silhouette. The asymmetrical drawer layout includes a wide central lap drawer flanked by deeper file or storage drawers. The piece exhibits the clean lines and focus on wood grain characteristic of the era, though it currently requires restoration to return to its original luster.
Key Features
Book-matched figured wood veneers, wide lap drawer, integrated wood pull rails, and rectangular modernist proportions.
Color & Finish
Warm medium-brown stain with high-contrast dark graining; semi-gloss lacquer finish shows signs of aging, oxidation, and surface scratches.
Construction Method
Factory-manufactured with modular components. Features machine-cut veneers over a solid or plywood core, typical of mass-produced 20th-century office furniture.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Standard industrial joinery including machine-cut dovetails for drawer boxes and cam-and-bolt or dowel assembly for the frame. Simple, functional craftsmanship tailored for the middle-class market.
Wood Grain & Species
Strong, expressive graining suggests Brazilian Rosewood or Calico Walnut veneers. The dramatic dark streaks are characteristic of tropical or highly figured hardwoods used in high-end MCM design.
Surface Treatment
Veneered surfaces with a clear protective topcoat; currently showing significant wear, white paint splatter, and adhesive residue from auction stickers.
Upholstery Details
Not applicable (no upholstered components present).
Hardware & Fittings
Original wooden pulls or integrated finger grooves. Note several missing knobs/pulls indicated by empty screw holes and circular shadows on drawer fronts.
Origin & Provenance
Likely United States or Canada; the utilitarian construction and specific hardware holes are consistent with 1960s North American commercial/residential furniture.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition. Missing several hardware pieces; significant surface scratches, paint splatter, adhesive residue, and finish degradation. Structural integrity appears stable but needs aesthetic overhaul.
Interesting Facts
During the 1960s, the use of exotic veneers like Rosewood became a status symbol in office furniture, moving away from the painted metal desks common in the 1940s.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war shift toward bringing high-design aesthetics into the average American home and office, popularized by the 'Mad Men' era corporate style.
Similar Pieces
Could be mistaken for Danish Modern (which would typically have more slender, tapered legs) or high-end executive furniture by Knoll/Herman Miller (which would have superior joinery and metal details).
Care & Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with a damp cloth; avoid commercial waxes. Recommend professional refinishing to remove paint splatter and replace missing matching hardware. Keep in temperature-controlled environments to prevent veneer peeling.
Value Estimate
$150 - $300 in current unrestored condition. Professional restoration and identification of a major manufacturer could increase value to $800 - $1,200.
Sustainability Notes
The use of tropical veneers like Rosewood is now heavily regulated (CITES). As an antique/vintage piece, its preservation is an act of sustainability by preventing high-quality wood from entering landfills.