Have you ever noticed how the desks of professionals and executives can leave a lasting impression on us? An antique writing desk can create an image of expertise and authority when you are in an attorney or doctor’s office? We are left with an impression of that person that stays with us… 

We’ve found that American antique furniture closely follows English styles and periods. The following list will give you a brief history of the antique writing desk in America…

American styles:

THE OAK AGE (1540-1660)

THE WALNUT AGE (1660-1730)

THE MAHOGANY AGE (1730- 1840)

VICTORIAN AGE (1830- 1901)

American antique styles of desks are somewhat limited because it was colonized later. However, many American writing desks have European and Asian influences and generally follow traditional English styles with a few variations. American desks resemble English styles ie: Pilgrim, William and Mary, Queen Anne, Chippendale, Federal, Empire and Victorian.

 * Pilgrim (1640-1690) desk proportions are typically both heavy and simple, having carved relief as the primary ornamentation and constructed of pine or oak and joined by wooden pegs. Finding a genuine and all original 17th Century desk would be quite a” rare find”! Most of them have replaced parts and ornamentation.

 * William-and-Mary (1700-1730) these desks have dovetail joints, are more ornamental with carvings in high relief and the majority have bun feet. The proportions are generous with surfaces lacquered or veneered and usually decorated with ornate and detailed moldings. Mostly constructed of walnut, pine or maple.

 * Queen-Anne (1725-1755) desks are more refined with scrolled motifs and almost always have lacquer and cabriole legs and hooped seats. Constructed primarily of walnut, mahogany or cherry. 

 * Chippendale (1755-1790) desks reflect Chinese themes and motifs, usually feature C and S scrolls, Gothic arches and ball and claw feet. Almost all are constructed of southern or Cuban mahogany and is highly decorated. 

 * Federal (1788-1825) desks follow the designs of English designers Sheraton and Hepplewhite and feature Greek and Roman motifs, clean edges, and carvings of items such as cornucopias, eagles, and shields. Woods used were primarily cherry and walnut. The Federal period in the history of American furniture resulted in some of the most elegant, graceful and exquisite antique furniture in existence.

 *Empire (1820-1840) desks are large and lavish, but functional. The period known as “American Empire” somewhat continues the Federal period with a few distinct characteristics. American furniture makers withdrew from English influences, and were inspired by the Neoclassical, Grecian style of French designers of the French Empire period in France. First French, and then American, styles of decor were influenced by Napoleon’s admiration for the Roman Empire, his trip to Egypt, and several archaeological expeditions to Greece and Rome. 

The curved lines of ancient Greek furniture were used in legs of tables and chairs; classical motifs such as the lyre were used in decoration, and pillars and scrolls were often incorporated. Pillar and scroll style furniture is typical of the Empire period; this feature was not seen in early Federal furniture. The Pillar and Scroll style was very popular during this period, and there are many outstanding collectors items still in existence today.

 * Victorian (1840-1899) desks have many moldings, turned legs, and heavy and imposing design elements, rounded, with ample ornament, decoration, curves, and gloss. The Gothic revival style was probably the most “important” while the exuberant Rococo revival may have been the most popular. Mahogany and rosewood were the preferred woods with oak making something of a comeback.

I hope you found this post useful and come back for more soon!

Please visit my website if you would like to view my large inventory of antique writing desks.

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