Larkin Side-by-Side Secretary Desk Value Guide

The Larkin Side-by-Side Secretary Desk is a quintessential piece of American Victorian furniture, famously distributed as a premium for soap purchases at the turn of the 20th century. This multi-functional unit is highly collectible for its space-saving design that integrates a curved glass bookcase, a beveled mirror, and a drop-front writing surface into one elegant quartersawn oak frame.

What affects the value of Larkin Side-by-Side Secretary Desk?

• The presence and clarity of the original curved glass pane, as replacements are difficult and expensive to source.
• The condition of the interior desk cubbies and the original finish of the quartersawn oak grain.
• Completeness of original Victorian-era hardware, including the brass pulls and the functional stay-arm for the drop-front.
• The integrity of the beveled mirror, specifically looking for minimal silvering loss or 'foxing' which can impact aesthetic value.

How to Identify Larkin Side-by-Side Secretary Desk?

• Look for the distinctive combination of a vertical curved glass display cabinet positioned directly beside a drop-front desk and mirror.
• Examine the wood for the characteristic 'fleck' or 'flake' patterns indicative of authentic quartersawn white oak used between 1890 and 1910.
• Check for original brass hardware and functional skeleton key locks on both the desk flap and the bookcase door.
• Inspect the back panel for any remaining paper labels or stenciled marks from the Larkin Soap Company or Skandia Furniture Co.

History of Larkin Side-by-Side Secretary Desk

Popularized at the turn of the 20th century, these multi-functional pieces were often produced by companies like Larkin or Skandia. Many were distributed through mail-order catalogs or as premiums for buying soap products, designed to consolidate a home's library and writing needs into a single space-saving unit.