If you’re like me, you love finding old-school desks that you can restore and turn into your own antique office space.
But how do you know if that desk is actually antique?
In this blog post, I’ll share a step-by-step guide on how to identify antique school desk.
So let’s dive in!
Key Takeaway
- An antique school desk is a desk that was used in a school during the early 19th century.
- To identify an antique school desk look for the signs of wear and tear, and check for the manufacturer’s label to determine the date of manufacture.
- Furthermore, look for antique features like metal legs, a hole in the centre, a rusted hinge and a slanted surface.
How To Identify Antique School Desk?
To identify an antique school desk look for the signs of wear and tear, and check for the manufacturer’s label to determine the date of manufacture.
Furthermore, look for antique features like metal legs, a hole in the center, and a slanted surface.
Another clue that you’re looking at an antique school desk is the size.
Today’s desks are often much larger, to accommodate laptops and other electronic devices.
But in the past, desks were smaller, since they were only used for writing.
Step-By-Step Guide For Identifying Antique School Desk
Antique school desks were some of the best studying desks.
To identify an antique school desk, there are a few simple steps you should take:
1. Examine the Desk For Signs of Wear and Tear
If the school desk is antique then it may have a large peeling off, the paint has faded, or there are signs of repairs.
A well used will have scratches, nicks, and wear marks on the surface.
Look for the following things in the hardware of a school desk.
- Cracks in the wood
- Missing or loose pieces
- Scratches or gouges in the surface
- Fading or peeling paint
The image below shows an antique school desk with all the things mentioned above.
2. Check for a Manufacturer’s Label or Stamp
To identify an antique school desk, you will need to look for a manufacturer’s label or stamp.
The stamp will often be located on the desk top or the chair backs.
If you find a label or stamp, research the company online to see if the desk is an antique.
The stamp may look like this
If there is no manufacturer’s label or stamp, you will need to look for other identifying features.
3. Look for Unique Identifying Features
There are a few things that you can look for to help you identify antique school desks.
One of the best ways to identify an antique school desk is by looking for unique identifying features.
Here are a few things to look for:
Metal Legs: This was a common feature of school desks back in the day, and it can help you narrow down your options and identify which pieces are antique.
Inkwell: There must be a hole in the centre of the surface of an antique school desk called an inkwell.
Modern school desks don’t have inkwells, so an antique desk can be identified by looking at the inkwell.
Slanted Surface for Writing: The slanted surface was a common feature of desks of the 18th century, 19th century, and early 20th century.
Some writing desks have a separate writing table with a chair.
4. Take the Help of a Professional
If you’re still having trouble identifying an antique desk, you can take it to a professional for help.
An antique dealer or appraiser can help you identify the desk and give you an estimate of its value.
Things To Consider Before Buying Antique School Desk
Antique furniture is not only unique and full of history, but it can also be quite valuable.
Here are a few things to consider if you are thinking about purchasing an antique school desk:
1. Condition
One of the most important factors in determining the value of an antique school desk is its condition. If the desk is in good condition, it will be worth more than a desk that is in poor condition.
2. Age
Another important factor to consider is the age of the desk. The older the desk, the more valuable it will be.
3. Material
The material the desk is made of will also affect its value. A desk made of rare or valuable materials like solid wood or mahogany will be worth more than a desk made of common materials.
Secondly, handmade pieces will be much more expensive.
4. Style
The style of the desk is also a factor to consider. A desk that is unique or rare will be worth more than a desk that is more common.
Furthermore, also look for a desk with storage space if you need it. But it’ll cost you more than a normal desk.
FAQs
Where Can I Find Antique School Desks?
You can find old pieces of old furniture and antique school desks at most antique stores and online at sites like eBay and Etsy.
What are Antique School Desks Made of?
Antique school desks are usually made of wood, metal, or a combination of both.
How Do You Identify a Manufacturer’s Label on an Antique Desk?
The best way to identify a manufacturer’s label on an antique desk is to look for a metal plate with the manufacturer’s name and logo on it.
The manufacturer’s label is usually on the underside of the desk.
What is the Hole in Old Desks for?
The hole in old desks is for holding inkwells!
What is the Value of an Antique School Desk?
The value of an antique school desk varies depending on various factors such as its age, condition, rarity, and provenance.
But the average value of an antique school desk is from $250 to $300.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to identify an antique school desk, you can add one of these unique pieces to your home decoration.
For a recap,
In this article, I’ve discussed how to identify antique school desk and some things to consider before buying an antique school desk.
What do you think, should anyone buy an antique school desk in this date and age?
Let us know in the comments.