Description

This charming children’s roll-top desk, measuring 17 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 26 inches tall, is a delightful example of early- to mid-20th-century youth furniture. Its classic tambour-style roll-top door, interior cubbies, and compact proportions mirror the full-size roll-top desks popular in American homes between the late Victorian era and the 1930s. The desk’s proportions, style of joinery, and hardware indicate a likely manufacturing period of approximately the 1920s–1940s, a time when miniature desks were commonly produced for school-age children and often used for handwriting practice, early homework, or as play furniture.

The piece is constructed entirely of wood, with a warm, natural finish that highlights its age and handmade character. The tambour door glides along its track, revealing a small writing surface and a set of interior cubbies designed to hold pencils, paper, or small books. The simple, sturdy legs and the softly rounded edges are consistent with the utilitarian American styles of the period, which favored durability and practicality in children’s furnishings. Wear patterns visible in the photos — including gentle finish loss, patina, and age-related darkening — further support its vintage authenticity.

Children’s roll-top desks from this era were not mass-produced in the way later play furniture was; instead, many were made in small workshops or regional furniture mills, each with slightly different construction features. As such, surviving examples in good, functional condition are sought after for farmhouse décor, early-education room displays, and vintage childhood collections. This desk stands as both a functional accent piece and a nostalgic reminder of early 20th-century craftsmanship tailored to children.

Condition

Please note all items are "as-is where-is"

Measurement

17 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 26 inches tall

Terms and Conditions

1. All items are sold where is, as is.

2. Once payment is completed for item(s) won, the ability to schedule a pick-up time will become available. Scheduling a pick-up time is required.

3. There will be a $20 fee assessed per item not picked up at that time that will be collected prior to bidding again at our auctions. Unlike retail, we do not have the option to store your item. If the item is larger than a standard suitcase (22" x 14" x 10"), we will charge $50 to the card on file per item to move the item.

4. Please plan accordingly as items not picked up are considered "abandoned". Do not bid if you cant pick up this day.

5. You are responsible for ensuring you collect all items at pickup.

6. Legacy uses "Popcorn" or "Extended" bidding. This means if a bid comes in at the last second, it is extended 3 minutes. This is like a live auctioneer saying, "going once" to ensure all bids are exhausted prior to closing.

7. We charge a 12% flat buyers premium on all items.

8. We charge KY State Tax with the exception of vehicles which is collected at the DMV.

9. You must bring help to pickup any items. We can recommend movers upon request. Also, please bring tools for items that require disassembly.

10. Please read our complete terms and conditions for additional details.