Wiener Werkstatte Desk
12 July 2020
Description

Desk manufactured for family collection in 1926 by Weiner Werkstatte in Vienna, Austria.

Provenance

This is a desk that has always been in my family. It was designed and manufacturers for my grandmother when she married in 1926 by Wiener Werkstatte.

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within about 2 hours
By Delia
Jul 12, 20:31 UTC
Fair Market Value
$3,000 - $5,000 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hi Catherine,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. This is a really interesting piece of furniture, and the face that there is related family history to it makes it particularly appealing.
There were several cabinetmakers (furniture makers) associated with the Wiener Werkstatte and prices can vary quite a bit depending on who made this. Do you know who made this? Is it marked or signed in such a way as to identify the maker?
Also, if you'd like this appraisal to include dimensions, which is customary, please forward the height, width and depth to me.

I look forward to working with you on this appraisal,
Delia

Catherine neuner Jul 12, 22:29 UTC

Hello Delia,

I am happy to take the measurements and send them to you. Where should I look to see if this piece has been signed?

Delia Jul 13, 10:16 UTC

Hi Catherine,
Signatures / labels / brands / marks are often in very discrete places and not often easily seen, on the inside, backs or undersides of drawers, or on the backs or bottoms of the pieces.
Thanks!
Delia

Catherine neuner Jul 14, 23:32 UTC

Hi Delia,

I am unable to find a signature at this time, however, I didn’t look very hard and was unable to move the desk.

The measurements are as follows:

Height - 59 inches
Width - 49 inches
Depth - 17 inches

Thank you!
Catherine

Delia Jul 15, 10:50 UTC

That's OK, Catherine, thanks so much for looking!
I couldn't find any similar desks having sold at auction recently but this Aesthetic Movement / Wiener Werkstatte look is quite modern and is very appealing to collectors these days. If you decide you want to sell this at auction, I would suggest finding an auction house that specializes in early 20th Century design as they will have the clients for this kind of thing.
Based on the photographs and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An Aesthetic Movement inlaid mahogany fall-front desk
Made by Wiener Werkstatte, Vienna, Austria, circa 1926
The open bookcase top inset with divided desk interior behind an inlaid fall front, the frame fitted with three short drawers over a medial shelf stretchers
59 inches high, 49 inches wide, 17 inches deep
PROVENANCE: made and acquired in Vienna in 1926, inherited from grandparents
$3,000-5,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

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