Anco Bilt Drafting Table Value Guide

The Anco Bilt Drafting Table is a quintessential piece of mid-century industrial design, manufactured by the Anco Wood Specialties Company in Glendale, New York. Highly sought after by collectors, these tables are prized for their robust trestle bases and the professional-grade functionality they provided to 20th-century architects and engineers.

What affects the value of Anco Bilt Drafting Table?

• The operational condition of the tilting top and the smoothness of the height adjustment mechanisms.
• The presence of original hardware, specifically the cast iron components and steel bolts.
• Surface condition of the wood, where original patina is preferred over heavy damage or modern refinishing.
• The specific size of the tabletop, as larger professional dimensions can command prices toward the $495 range.

How to Identify Anco Bilt Drafting Table?

• Look for the distinct 'Anco Bilt' brand mark or metal nameplate typically located on the wooden frame or trestle.
• Examine the hardware for authentic cast iron and steel adjustment knobs and tilting mechanisms.
• Verify the construction materials, which should feature a combination of solid oak for the base and pine for the drafting surface.
• Check for the signature trestle base design characteristic of the 1940-1960 production era.

History of Anco Bilt Drafting Table

Anco Bilt was a prominent brand of the Anco Wood Specialties Company based in Glendale, New York. Founded in the early 20th century, the company became a staple in the mid-century design era, producing high-quality easels and drafting tables used by professional architects, engineers, and artists across America.