subject: Antique Roll Top Desks: A Practical Yet Stylish Piece of Furniture [print this page] Antique Roll Top Desks: A Practical Yet Stylish Piece of Furniture
At present, antique roll top desks remain a favorite not only of antique collectors but also of modern homeowners. The popularity of antique roll top desks can be attributed to the fact that it is not only stylish, but it is also very functional.
The history of antique roll top desks can be traced as early as 1850. That was the year the first patent was awarded to Abner Cutler, the owner of Cutler Desk Company. Mr. Cutler's desk proved to be unique, as his was the only one that had a flexible tambour that could cover the desk and its contents when not in use.
Antique roll top desks were created primarily for the purpose of writing. These desks were utilized as writing desks in both offices and houses. There are compartments included for the storage of bills, ledgers or ledger books, letters, writing paper, even quill pens. The modern versions of these desks were designed to accommodate the needs of a more technologically developed era. Instead of holding letters and pens, the new compartments were made to fit CDs, keyboards and laptops.
The roll top desks today are mass produced commodities, but antique roll top desks are certified works of art and proof of remarkable craftsmanship. These are usually intricately-designed massive pieces of furniture made from natural wood. There are those antique roll top desks which feature hidden compartments, which can be considered as works of art themselves. Sometimes, the maker's stamp can be found in the desk.
The great thing about antique roll top desks is that they are investment pieces which also serve as a visually interesting addition in any space. It is stylish enough to be a room's focal point, while it can also serve as an heirloom to be passed on to another generation.
