Wooton Signed Victorian 1874 Patent Antique Walnut Desk

This famous "Wooton Desk" was patented "Oct. 6, 1874," and made in Indianapolis, Indiana. This spectacular complete office opens to reveal an interior with birdseye or curly maple including cubbyholes or mailboxes in the doors and twelve small drawers below. The drop front leather writing surface has an adjustable angle.

Inside are drawers and compartments of various sizes, above is a lift lid covering more slots for documents. Solid walnut with raised burl panels and deep moldings, the finish is in very fine condition with small irregularities typical of intricate burl. There are small shrinkage separations from age as shown.

It has been polished and waxed so only an occasional wipe with a soft dry cloth is needed to maintain the warm antique patina. Embossed bronze hardware is original and complete except for one hinge finial, there is no key for the lock. Drawers appear to have rebuilt interiors from some decades ago, presumably at the same time as the varnish finish.

On the finished backside of this legendary furniture is a bronze signature plaque. William S. Wooten ended production of these fabulous desks in 1884. They were exhibited at American Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876, and sold to luminaries including President U. S. Grant, John D. Rockefeller and Joseph Pulitzer.

This "Standard Grade" desk measures 34" wide, 74 1/2" tall, 27" deep and the desktop is 28" high.

See 29 photos on Harp Gallery website that enlarge to full screen size

Item # R-17696