An Antique Walnut Desk by the Boston Chair Company of Massachusetts (Circa 1885)

I have always had a soft spot for American roll-top desks, which probably stems from watching too many Westerns with my father. I discovered this impressive Late 19th-century walnut example, from the Massachusetts-based Boston Chair Company, in a Surrey estate. Even though it had been rather neglected, I could see its potential. The underlying colour was particularly warm and appealing. It takes a great deal of time and patience to restore any pedestal desk, but a roll-top desk offers an even greater challenge. However, now we have completed its restoration, I am very pleased with how it looks. The walnut glows. The tambour shutter, with its original cast trade escutcheon, runs smoothly, and when closed it once again engages the patent locking mechanism which locks all the drawers. And of course, when opened, all the drawers can be accessed. There is lots of storage space, trays for your pens, plenty of room for a laptop, and because there is not a central drawer you have extra leg room. A super-looking desk full of character and creative potential.

This excerpt from The Furniture History Society's website tells you a little about The Boston Chair Company and how this American Desk came to be here in the UK.

Boston Chair Company

16 Great Eastern Street, London; chair & general furniture manufacturers (fl.1885-92)

The firm was manufacturing ‘American’ chairs and other furniture in Ashburnham, Mass., USA and had showrooms in Boston, New York and London. It advertised first in The Furniture Gazette on 1 June 1885 and an advertisement in The Furniture Gazette, 15 June 1892, stated that it had been awarded medals at various exhibitions; Paris 1889, Edinburgh 1890 & Jamaica 1891. It was also given a gold medal for its desks at the Midland Trades and Industrial Exhibition held at Bingley Hall, Birmingham [The Furniture Gazette, 15 June 1892].

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