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Wooten DeskArticle and photos submitted by Southampton Antiques |
 Wooten
Desks were the masterpieces of the Victorian era. These desk were normally
made of walnut although oak ones have been found. They were commonly found
in Wells Fargo offices. Decorated in burled veneers and extensive carvings,
these desks made quite a statement! There is a brass mail slot on the right
side where the secretary would deliver the mail to a locked desk. Wooten
Desks were made with either two or three hinges on each side. When opened,
the left side has a number of open compartments while the right side has
cardboard file boxes. The desk lid drops down to reveal an interior with a
leather writing surface, a number of incised carved drawers with maple
fronts, and various shaped open file compartments. The company advertised
that the owner could reach 110 compartments without leaving his chair.These desks come in four different grades "Ordinary", "Standard", "Extra Grade" and "Superior Grade". The higher the grade, the more embellishment you will find on the desk. When originally sold, they ranged in price from $90 to $750. The one pictured here is an Extra Grade. The company was started by William S. Wooten in 1870 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The design of this desk was patented and in 1876 it was exhibited at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Because of its impressive stature and utility the Wooten Desks are often referred to as "The King of Desks". This article was furnished by Southampton Antiques . They usually have a Wooten desk in their inventory for sale.
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