MODERNIST WAXED AND CERUSED OAK DESK WITH LACQUERED SKIN WRITING SURFACE
Probably French, circa 1950s
Item # 311JOS13Q 

A remarkable Modernist pedestal desk from the 1950s, the utterly austere form is such a pleasant and unusual writing piece. It features stark angularity with a rectangular top with vibrant oak veneers bordering a lacquered skin (probably goatskin) writing surface set into it. Simple doors on the right and left are opened with a key to reveal a single drawer in the upper over a single shelf in the lower; the drawers on both sides feature a single large dovetail joining the corners. This same construction method is carried through in the broad horizontal drawer in the center of the desk; designed to look simply like the apron above the sitter, it is devoid of any hardware and is easily withdrawn to reveal an incredibly deep and spacious storage area. The desk is crafted of raised-grain cerused and waxed oak over a plywood substrate, all areas beautifully dressed in the brilliant flamed grain veneers.

The entire desk is designed to be easily broken down for transport. After removing a few screws from the underside, the top lifts off on large dowels, the drawer lifts out from the center, the medial brace comes out from the back and the two pedestals are free to move around. As a result, even one relatively strong person can safely move the desk without terrible difficulty.

It remains a stark strikepoint piece for the modern interior, the wonderfull all-over surface history and patina bringing much needed texture to the modern interior. It is very difficult to find a piece with such a compelling form and beautiful design, incredibly relevant to today's interior while remaining most practical.

Measurements: 29 1/8" H x 29 7/8" D x 65 3/4" W; 23 5/8" knee clearance where chair sits

Condition Report:
Numerous areas of veneer loss on desk and on both interior drawers; back corner of the desk with an oak veneer patched in; lacquered skin with discoloration and staining from gentle use over the years; the skin is ever-so-slightly lifting at one seam with associated losses; we usually recommend ordering a glass top to place on these in order to preserve the skin and make the top more functional - we can always have a glass top fabricated for you and sent with the desk, but it adds substantially to the shipping cost and usually is more efficient and safer for you to order one after receiving the desk; the historical surface exhibits staining, blemishes and variation in color throughout from years of use and sun exposure and whlie that is much of the charm in a vintage piece, this could certainly be refinished to a more perfect aesthetic. 

About silla | antiques & art

Established in 2009, we have available in our 9000 square foot brick-and-mortar gallery an ever-changing selection of carefully curated and catalogued furniture, decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and estate jewelry. Our company has long specialized in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display. As stewards of these incredibly beautiful and timeless pieces of history, we take our role very seriously with a "light-touch" approach to restoration and conservation. All objects are guaranteed to be exactly as catalogued and also to arrive exactly as shown.

The gallery is located at 117 W Burd Street in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and is open by appointment only. We welcome your visit and would love to meet with you at the shop. For clients located outside of the area, we are always available to discuss items by video conferencing or by phone.

FREIGHT SHIPMENTS

We offer economical and speedy freight service for most locations in the lower 48 States via the major LTL freight carriers. Delivery is generally 5-10 business days after packing is complete for the East Coast and 15-20 business days after packing is complete for the West Coast. Rush service is available so just contact us for a quote if there is a project deadline.

The Process:

• The item is professionally packaged by our in-house team, palletized and shipped on a tractor trailer. Packing happens on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays so if your purchase comes through on a Wednesday, it may not be packed until the following Tuesday depending on our packing schedule.
• We release the palletized shipment to the LTL freight firm and upload tracking information to your order
• Once the freight has made it to the terminal nearest to your home, the dispatch team will notify the buyer and schedule a delivery day. 
• The buyer is then required to make the necessary arrangements to receive and inspect the goods. Some freight firms will offer a delivery window while others will require the buyer or a representative for the buyer to be available the entire day. Please note, drivers are never allowed to call the buyer to update them on an expected delivery time, though it may be possible for the buyer to call the terminal and get a rough idea on updated timing throughout the day.
• On delivery day, the tractor trailer will arrive at the residence and the truck driver will lower the palletized shipment to the nearest curb with a lift-gate where the buyer will then be responsible for bringing it into the home, unpacking and disposing of the packing materials. If you require a higher level of service (i.e brought up the driveway and into the garage, brought into the entryway of the home, etc.) just contact us for a quote.