Chippendale Style Secretary Desk with Broken Arch Pediment
Likely Maddox or Governor Winthrop (Unbranded) · Furniture > Desks and Secretaries
Era / Decade
1940s-1950s Colonial Revival
Material
Mahogany or Cherry veneers over mixed hardwoods with brass hardware
Condition
Good. Shows surface scuffs, missing door latch/key, and tape residue on glass.
Demand Level
Moderate. While brown furniture has cooled, secretary desks remain popular for small-space home offices.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$250 - $450 - $700
Estimated Retail Value
$1,200 - $1,800 (Comparable modern handcrafted reproductions)
Comparable Sales
Similar Maddox Colonial Revival secretaries typically sell for $300-$500 on local marketplaces and up to $900 on curated sites like Chairish.
Description
Stately 2-piece mahogany colonial revival secretary desk featuring a classic broken arch (swan neck) pediment with central finial. The upper hutch features two glass doors with elegant wood fretwork overlaying three interior shelves. The lower base consists of a slant-front drop-down writing surface revealing a storage cubby interior, positioned above four oxbow (serpentine) graduated drawers with brass batwing pulls. Supported by traditional ball-and-claw feet.
Key Features
High-style broken arch pediment, oxbow drawer fronts, ball-and-claw feet, and two-piece construction for easier transport.
Authenticity Indicators
Construction methods suggest mid-20th century mass production rather than 18th-century antique. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Significant tape residue on glass doors needs careful removal; minor chips in veneer on the base; key is likely missing for the drop-front and hutch.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Facebook Marketplace, Chairish, or local Antique Mall consignment.
Selling Tips
Remove all tape and residue before photographing. Stage the drop-front open with a laptop or stationery to show functionality for modern buyers. Use keywords like 'Dark Academia', 'Grandmillennial', and 'Home Office'.