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ID #SA1202615
FOR SALE
£2,450
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French Art Deco Desk, 1930s–40s, Attributed to Étienne Kohlmann
For sale by Tinker & Toad
for sale €2,867     $3,112
£2,450

Tinker & Toad

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2020
Browse dealers 80 items
Id #SA1202615
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French Art Deco Desk, 1930s–40s, Attributed to Étienne Kohlmann

1920 - 1940
For Sale by Tinker & Toad
Description

A striking example of early 20th-century French design, this stylish writing desk is attributed to the celebrated French designer Étienne?Kohlmann. Working from the 1920s into the post-war years, Kohlmann developed a distinctly modernist and highly refined approach to Art Deco design.

Beautifully constructed in richly toned hardwood, the desk showcases several hallmarks associated with Kohlmann’s aesthetic vocabulary. The cupboard doors are adorned with concentric carved rings, a sculptural motif that brings depth and rhythm to the exterior. The central drawer features a geometric lattice-work panel featuring a repeating diamond or “X” pattern frequently seen in Kohlmann’s cabinetry and architectural commissions.

The desk’s ironmongery is particularly smart and distinctive, with original drawer pulls in a warm brass tone that complement the dark timber well. The desk stands on bold, architectural legs with fluted detailing at the knee, terminating in spherical feet. Original locks with keys present.

Both functional and decorative, this is a sophisticated piece of French design history, ideal for collectors of Art Deco furniture, admirers of Kohlmann’s work. It could also serve as a dressing table, hall table, console or centre table.

The knee height is 57cm.

Physical Dimensions
Height
75.5cm (29.72")
Width
132cm (51.97")
Depth
70cm (27.56")
Declaration

Tinker & Toad has dated this French Art Deco Writing Desk to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1202615
Description
A striking example of early 20th-century French design, this stylish writing desk is attributed to the celebrated French designer Étienne?Kohlmann.
“
Working from the 1920s into the post-war years, Kohlmann developed a distinctly modernist and highly refined approach to Art Deco design.
Tinker & Toad
fig 1. A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware.
fig 1. French Art Deco Desk, 1930s–40s, Attributed to Étienne Kohlmann

Beautifully constructed in richly toned hardwood, the desk showcases several hallmarks associated with Kohlmann’s aesthetic vocabulary. The cupboard doors are adorned with concentric carved rings, a sculptural motif that brings depth and rhythm to the exterior. The central drawer features a geometric lattice-work panel featuring a repeating diamond or “X” pattern frequently seen in Kohlmann’s cabinetry and architectural commissions.

fig 2. A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware.
fig 2. French Art Deco Desk, 1930s–40s, Attributed to Étienne Kohlmann

The desk’s ironmongery is particularly smart and distinctive, with original drawer pulls in a warm brass tone that complement the dark timber well. The desk stands on bold, architectural legs with fluted detailing at the knee, terminating in spherical feet. Original locks with keys present.

fig 3. A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware.
fig 3. French Art Deco Desk, 1930s–40s, Attributed to Étienne Kohlmann

Both functional and decorative, this is a sophisticated piece of French design history, ideal for collectors of Art Deco furniture, admirers of Kohlmann’s work. It could also serve as a dressing table, hall table, console or centre table.

The knee height is 57cm.

Height
75.5cm (29.72")
Width
132cm (51.97")
Depth
70cm (27.56")
Date of Manufacture

Tinker & Toad has dated this French Art Deco Writing Desk to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1202615
Tinker & Toad
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2020
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Tinker & Toad Profile Page

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A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware.
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Archive I A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware.

French Art Deco Desk, 1930s–40s, Attributed to Étienne Kohlmann

Archive II A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware. View II
Archive III A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware. View III
Archive IV A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware. View IV
Archive V A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware. View V
Archive VI A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware. View VI
Archive VII A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware. View VII
Archive VIII A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware. View VIII
Archive IX A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware. View IX
Archive X A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware. View X
Archive XI A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware. View XI
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Telephone 07771 682942
Location
54 The Mint
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7EN
United Kingdom
Verified Since Aug 2020
Items For Sale 80
Items Sold 556
Tinker & Toad
Verified Since Aug 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: 54 The Mint, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7EN, United Kingdom
Verified
Aug 2020
For Sale
80
Sold
556
A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware.
French Art Deco Desk, 1930S–40S, Attributed To Étienne Kohlmann
Ref: SA1202615
A dark brown French Art Deco writing desk featuring carved concentric circular cupboard doors, a central drawer with geometric diamond details, and brass hardware.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDesks
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleArt Deco
  • MaterialOak, Brass
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsConcentric circle carvings, Geometric diamond frieze, Brass knobs and handles
  • SizeH 75.5 cm (30 in) x W 132 cm (52 in) x D 70 cm (28 in)

This French Art Deco writing desk from the 1930s is attributed to Étienne Kohlmann. Constructed from dark brown oak with a rich timber finish, the piece is styled with distinct modernist proportions and brass hardware. The structure comprises two cupboards featuring carved concentric circular panels, accompanied by a central drawer detailed with a geometric diamond frieze and round brass knobs. Further decoration includes vertical brass handles on the cupboard doors and fluted detailing at the top of the architectural legs, which terminate in spherical ball feet. The physical dimensions measure 75.5 cm high, 132 cm wide, and 70 cm deep, with a knee height of 57 cm. Practical for use as a functional workspace, this desk can also be placed in a home as a dressing table, a hall table, a console, or a centre table. The dark wood and warm metal tones suit an interior study or living space dedicated to mid-century and Art Deco design. Original locks with keys remain in place on the cabinetry, completing the hardware details of the piece.

Originating in the 1920s and 1930s, French Art Deco furniture combines sleek geometric forms, architectural proportions, and restrained decorative elements such as carved reliefs or bold timber grains.

Craftsmen typically utilised hardwoods such as oak, walnut, mahogany, and rosewood, often paired with brass hardware, precise joinery, and relief detailing.

Authentic pieces exhibit heavy solid wood construction, precise carved geometric motifs, original patinated brass fittings, and period-correct joinery without modern mechanical fasteners.

Position the desk as a central feature against a neutral backdrop, pairing it with modern task lighting, structured leather seating, and minimalist decorative accents to balance the heavy timber.

Clean regularly using a soft microfibre cloth, apply natural beeswax polish periodically to protect the finish, and keep the wood away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent drying or fading.
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