Rolltop Desk

Listing #330 Listed on: 04/10/2006 Name: James

Company Name: Retired,CabinetmakerWhat would this sell for in your area. 32" by 60",Red Oak ,baltic birch drawers/full ext.accuride guides 2 file drawers,4 box drawers , pencil drawer ,2 writing surfaces,leather inlay top. Finish is Tung oil & poly, 10 coats. I am in East central Texas.

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Posted By:Fred F

I would ask in the neighborhood of
7 to 8 grand.

Posted By:kol

that's a nice desk! 3-4 tops. This seems to be a fairly straight forward piece. I like the fact that it has leather top. But everything seems a little standard. Raised panels are easy to make, you can order the tambor, and the finish is easy. It looks like the front bottom drawers are out of line with the side panels? Can you show a picture of it open to see how much work is in the interior? Are the drawers dovetailed? for a piece like this I'm a little surprised you used baltic birch and not solid stock. I'm also surprised you used modern guides. I'm not trying to mock you work. I think it's beautiful. However, it seems like it was built more production style? This to me would bring the price down. Also tell us how much time was put into the piece. Labor is the most expensive part of a piece like this. The materials are only a small portion of the price.

Posted By:James

this is not my design its copyed from a photo. of an 1800's desk with some modern guides . it was probaby a production item when manufactured.do not know how much timeexactly I am retired and only work 4or 5 hrs. a day sometimes not for several days.if i were still in business i would think about40 to 50 hours.I make every part and always have.I am starting on a copy of a 1800's grandfather clock now probably use a hermle 8 day windup mech.fun deal.

btw I started in this trade in 1958 anybody remember those days?

Posted By:Brian Sheldon

I usually say, figure out how much everything costs, give yourself an hourly wage that you feel is fair and then double it. But there are many variables, for example what is the buyer like in your area. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by VERY wealthy people, we just happened to get in before the real estate boom. People will blow a few thousand dollars without even thinking about it. But in many areas, people don't appreciate it, so it could be a few hundred dollars (in addition to expenses). But with that quality of work and those panels and especially a hardwood roll top desk, I would charge a premium. Most these days are almost entirely made of synthetics and plywoods, and the only really good ones are 100% hand made, so to speak.

If you've got the buyer, charge a premium like a few K, but if you don't, price to the market in your area. Best of luck.

Posted By:James

thanks for the replys .but i wasnt looking for how to price it i well know how to do that. use your method of construction and finish i am mostly curious about how prices and methods have changed so much.
jim. have fun while ur going

Posted By:kol

You did a good job for just copying a picture. And you're definately right about having fun. You have to. Otherwise what's the point. I'm looking forward to seeing the Clock and am interested in hearing about what that piece sells for if that's what you are doing.

Posted By:Brian Sheldon

Wow! There is a ton of compartments there, and I like the bookmatched inside top. I'de charge a premium for something like that.

Posted By:kol

It's all in the details my friend. My price went up! Looks awesome. I have to say that I definately judged this book by it's cover. I think the 7-8 grand mark is getting clearer.

Posted By:james ooley

I always liked a pleasent suprise. kinda like opening a present, don't you think?
Sure appreciate the replys.
have a happy day.
jim

Posted By:Terry

Lovely. I would have to say that it would more than likely sell easily at around $10,000. but if you were hired to custom make one to the customers specs. You could probibly get twice that. Just the sort of thing that would sell big in Kentucky.

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