OFFERS INVITED

A. Cutler & Son 1881-style Antique Oak Roll Top Business Desk

Oak Burl Panels, Felted Writing Surfaces, and Hutch

In excellent condition, no split wood or bound drawers. The rolltop action is very smooth. All handles are carved wood. (There are absolutely no period-incorrect plastic parts, no metal drawer slides, etc.) 

The desk was acquired from the estate of the Oxford Paper Company, Rumford, Maine, from the resident manager's office. Pulp and paper mills were established on the banks of the Androscoggin River in 1901 by Hugh J. Chisholm. He had established the Portland and Rumford Falls Railway, which was completed in 1892 and aimed at exploiting the falls to manufacture paper. The Oxford Paper Company grew out of these mills and remained owned by the Chisholm family until 1967. Oxford was once the sole manufacturer of US Post Office postcards, as well as the country's largest bookpaper manufacturer.

Meticulously restored over a multi-year period in the 1960’s and well maintained since. Finish is varnish or shellac treated and cleaned with lemon oil. Overall patina is a very pleasing golden color.

The rolltop closure consists of 34 separate 0.75-inch half-round oak dowels attached to a canvas backing and sliding in wooden tracks with an inset wooden handle. The action is smooth, lubricated only with beeswax and including no metal parts. When lowered, the top activates wooden drawer locks on the base. The top, including the desk writing surface, is removable as a unit.

The 50” wide by 17” tall by 10” deep hutch includes:

·       4 paper trays 11” wide by 2” tall by 10” deep

·       4 paper trays 8.5” wide by 1.5” tall by 10” deep

·       6 cubbies 5” by 2” by 10” deep

·       8 cubbies 4” by 3” by 10” deep

·       2 slots 11” by 2.5” by 10” deep

·       3 drawers 10.25” by 2.5” by 8.5” deep (interior measurements)

The hutch drawers have oak burl veneer facings and unique hand-carved pulls. The hutch itself is free standing within and atop the desktop. All components are in excellent condition.

The desk top working surface measures 48” wide by 21” deep and is 31” above the floor. It consists of a felted surface edged by a checkered wood inlay and surrounded by oak. The felt surface is worn and will need to be refurbished. On each side are 16” by 0.5” wooden folder/envelope holders. The left side includes a round electrical pearl button switch of unknown intended use.

The base of the desk includes eight wooden drawers with hand carved oakleaf pulls. The upper 3 drawers on each side have interiors 11” wide by 29” long by 3” deep. The top right drawer is divided into 4 compartments; the other upper drawers are undivided. The 2 bottom drawers are 9” deep, with the right-side divided into three 15” by 3.5” file storage slots. All drawers are solid wood, including bottoms of quarter inch thick, edge-glued panels.

Above the base’s drawer stacks are two felted breadboard pull-out wings, each 12” by 30” (effective working length is about 24”).

All exterior vertical surfaces (sides, back, under-desk knee area) are paneled in oak burl veneer set off with mouldings. The top is a single piece of oak with moulded edges to match the edging on the writing surface. The base is 4” wide oak topped with mouldings. There are no feet, although felt pads have been attached at each corner to facilitate movement.

Flaws include minor dings to the base and some mouldings and the aforementioned wear-and-tear to the felt. The surfaces show very little to no staining or water damage and the burl veneers show little delamination. The rolltop originally had a brass locking mechanism, the bottom receiver of which broke many years ago; the parts are included in a drawer, and could be repaired/restored with period hardware.

Overall dimensions are 54" wide by 36" deep by 50.5" tall. The top above the hutch/rolltop is 52” wide by 12.5” deep plus mouldings. Overall weight is unknown. Each of the two components (upper desk and base) are easily carried by two professional movers. The desk can be slid on its footpads by one person for cleaning.

The desk is located in Moultonborough, New Hampshire 03254 and may be picked up by arrangement, or freight arranged by buyer. Two movers will be required for desk and hutch.