Every Man Should Have a Roll-Top Desk

Metallicman ^ | 16DEC18 | Editorial staff

[vannrox]

Here I would like to discuss a long standing dream that I have had since I was a small boy; the possession of a large roll-top desk complete with a multitude of tiny drawers, chubby-holes, and spaces for all my personal junk and treasures. I have had this dream for a long… long… long time. With that in mind, let’s discuss this work of art; this magnificent idea and concept of the roll-top desk.

During the last century, the idea of a Roll-Top desk was appealing and very popular all over America. Many American homes had these styles of desks and throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s they faded into obscurity. There was a brief revival of Roll-Top desks in the 1980’s and then they have been forgotten as overly expensive and extravagant items of furniture. This is unfortunate, because every man should have a Roll-Top desk.



The first time that I encountered a roll-top desk was a very long time ago. One of my friends had inherited it from his father. It was in his bedroom and he would work on his various projects at the desk. He had this kind of glue with a rubber top that you could use to spread glue on paper and make scrap books with .

He also had a punching bag in his basement and me and him would try boxing at such an early age. Heck! We were only in second grade, for goodness sakes. It was kinda goofy at the time, but our fathers both thought that boxing was something that all boys had to learn.

What is a Roll-Top Desk?

A roll-top desk is a large

[SFConservative]

It’s where they hid Earl Williams in His Girl Friday.

For me, that's the first image that pops into my head when I see the words "roll-top desk." Great movie with Cary Grant talking at 90 mph with a few sprints hitting 120, plus his classic double-takes.

[SFConservative]

Wow, that is a classic. I never knew that they made metal roll-tops. Are those brass drawer pulls and trim? With some reconditioning that thing could be worth some real money!

[SFConservative]

Wow, that sounds spectacular. Could you post pics of the desk and organ configurations?

[Kickass Conservative]

I’ve got one for sale. We’re putting the House up for sale and I don’t want to move it when we leave CA.

Any FReepers who live in Orange County, CA who want it can FReepmail me. $100 and it’s yours. #;^)

[Daffynition]

I always wanted one, but they are always out out my league.

And frequently, they *smell* from having dampness inside of them.

Just B4 I moved, I found one, that wasn’t overly large, or expensive; it is in A1 condition, except for a dent in the side molding. It still has its label and inside *furniture*. I thought it would fit in my new digs.....but it is way too deep for the space. Oh well. My heirs will have to worry about it; it weighs a ton! and presently is housing my extensive herb and cooking spice collection.

I still love that I have it. It could survive a nuclear blast, I swear!

It would make an excellent *bar* storage, as you say, but I don’t drink. :)

[Daffynition]

If you don’t mind *dumpster diving* one of the best places to pick up some pretty cool discards are the dumpsters at dorms and frat/sorority houses on college campuses on move-out weekends.

[Daffynition]

** One of my friends had inherited it from his father. It was in his bedroom and he would work on his various projects at the desk. He had this kind of glue with a rubber top that you could use to spread glue on paper and make scrap books with . **

I believe that glue is called muslage; I don't see it for sale anymore

Really dates me, eh? if I know what *muslage* is. LOL

[SaveFerris]

[I was stationed at Holloman AFB near Alamogordo, New Mexico]

Alright. Tell us where you hid the UFO vehicles and we’ll let you go.

[SaveFerris]

That sounds really cool.

[GingisK]

Oh, just look at all of that wonderful wooden furniture! You have a nice working collection. Thank you for posting the photographs. You made my day.

[GingisK]

I am always happy to do dumpster diving. Once a scrounger, always a scrounger.

[backtobasics]

If I can figure out the html I will. Never tried posting photos here. My hobby is restoring reed organs and I will get around to the desk organ eventually. Have several awaiting restoration as well as a player piano that was a freebie that was going to be busted up and hauled to the landfill. It didnt work, but it only took about three days to get it playing again and it sounds very cool!

[backtobasics]

A link to a site with photos of the Wick Desk Organ

http://www.harmoniumnet.nl/history-8-wick.html

[SaveFerris]

Nice. I think I may have actually seen one of those. Wow

[Daffynition]

Not sure where you hang your hat, but maybe it's just a New England thang. :) It seems that the further west you go, on this fruited plain, interest in antiques wains. Everything must be new.

Here in NE, we grew up with hand-me-downs ....furniture that was too good to part with.

I take exception with your observation about classic cars. Here in NE, perhaps for the reasons stated above, There will continue to be market for classic cars.

I happen to use one as my daily driver, and I must say, not one trip into town ever misses someone commenting about my ride. My glove box is testament to the the post-it notes and business cards, saved, from people who want to buy it when I am ready to sell.

Maybe I'm living on another planet. I dunno. But life is fun.

Meet the Ronnie Raygun:

[Daffynition]

Me too! Heh.

Ever try a college in May? Great finds.

[Daffynition]

[editor-surveyor]

.
Nice!

[SFConservative]

Thanks for posting that link- what a clever device!

[editor-surveyor]

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>> “What is a Roll-Top Desk?” <<

A left-over from the age of 3x5 cards and fountain pens!