Art Deco Waterfall Kneehole Desk, 7 Drawers, Carved Pulls, c. 1935–1945

A classic American Art Deco waterfall-style kneehole desk in walnut solids and veneers, consistent with domestic production of the late 1930s to mid-1940s. The form follows the period's defining grammar: dramatically rounded waterfall edges wrapping the top and outer pedestal corners, reeded plinth blocks centering each pedestal base, and seven drawers equipped throughout with sculptural torpedo-form ribbed wood pulls — a hardware choice that nods directly to the Streamline Moderne vocabulary. The twin-pedestal configuration supplies a shallow center frieze drawer, two stacked drawers per side at upper depth, and a deeper bottom drawer on each pedestal.

CONDITION

Fair overall. The carcass is structurally sound and all drawers operate. The top surface shows scattered scratches, light indentations, and at least one ring-shaped heat or moisture mark near the left rear corner; finish wear and scuffing are distributed throughout the case. Multiple areas of chipped veneer are present; veneer on the bottom right side — both front and rear panels — has been previously repaired and touched up, and the top and bottom drawers on the right pedestal show evidence of prior repair as well.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 30" H × 42" W × 21" D
• Kneehole Opening: 23.75" H × 18" W
• Seven drawers total (1 frieze, 3 per pedestal)
• Walnut solids and veneer construction
• Torpedo-form ribbed carved wood drawer pulls throughout
• Reeded plinth detail at base of each pedestal
• Waterfall rounded edges on top and outer pedestal corners