Myrtle Desk Co Love-seat?

[piratenurse77]

Long time lurker, and after yesterday's find decided to register as I need some help with our new love-seat.  I found it at a Salvation Army thrift store here in eastern NC, way in the back, almost hidden, and the tag stated it was dropped off the day prior, so Monday.  Paid $50, appears to be in excellent condition, very well made, fabric is like new, cushions firm, etc...  The love seat was made by the Myrtle Desk Co in High Point NC.  From my research they were one of the largest manufacture of office furniture in the US, so this was most likely made for an office or institution of some sort.  I do not know whether they were Alma, then changed names to Myrtle, or if the two companies were different.  Searching the internet there are numerous examples of there desks, many for sale, and pictures of many more.  However, I have only found two other examples of a sofa, one has two matching chairs.  The first example is from some flickr photos of a green set, 3 cushion couch, and two matching arm chairs.  The individual stated it was removed from the Indian River county FL government office building prior to its demolition.  The other example is a single sofa, 3 cushion also, blue in color, listed on ebay currently for $700.  I have attached pictures of the sofa and tags.  I cannot find any information on it that would gives hints to a date/year, does anyone have any ideas?  Is anyone familiar with this company, did they make a lot of sofas/love-seats, or were they mainly in the desk business.  Lastly. any idea on value? We had no idea what we had until we got it home and started to read up on them, we purchased it because it was very well made and unique.  We have no plans on selling it, as it has taken up residence in our bedroom in front of the window.  My guess would be in the $150-200 ballpark, but without knowing how old it is, or having more info and the company, is it collectable, I am unsure.  Thanks

[piratenurse77]

For reference, these are the only other examples I can find of a sofa made by the Myrtle Desk Co...

Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sofa-Early-1960s-Authentic-Myrtle-Desk-Co-Excellent-Condition-/280872166015#ht_500wt_1413

Flickr:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/timandkimshow/6160441685/in/photostream/

[ghopper1924]

I think you're right about the price.  I don't have any interest in the time period, but it looks like yours is well made.

[mart]

I would guess 70`s early 80`s That fabric just never wears out !! Had a sofa that was upholstered in it just different color/pattern !! Golds and browns were popular then !! That looks like what yours is !!  Collectable,, no,, just good used furniture and certainly worth more than you paid compared to todays furniture prices !!  The one on ebay is over priced and I doubt will sell at that !!  Yours would go $100. tops here in my area !!

[KC]

Company History (A Hayworth Company)
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:OEitbTvFphUJ:historichighpointnc .blogspot.com/2012/05/high-points-largest-employers-from-past.html+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a
1950's to 60's style

[chairmaker52]

AO Redding purchased AA Baker Furniture in 1895 and changed the name to Alma, and they made kitchen safes and moved into residential furniture. One of Redding partners was Henry Fraser. In 1900 Fraser started Myrtle Furniture. By the mid 1920's both companies had been acquired by Charles Hayworth and his partner. Charles Hayworth foundered Hayworth Roll and Panel, the first plywood mill in the south east. Hayworth saw the conflict of interest coming between his 2 furniture companies and all of his customers of Hayworth Roll and Panel. The resolve that he changed the focus to office furniture and by the late 1920's the names had been changed to Alma Desk and Myrtle Desk. Charles passed away in 1928 and his young wife assumed the leadership role at Alma while she also raised 6 children.
While they operated as independent companies they shared a common board of directors. By the late 1950's the Alma/Myrtle combination was a monster, become the largest producer of furniture in the US. In 1963 the 2 companies purchased the Dallas Furniture building on English Road from the Dallas family. They started Clarendon Industries to provide private labeled seating product for both companies. I've seen some of the old catalogues and the market was amazing, super strong wooden base frames, with multiple arm and back configuration. I have a pair of Myrtle 501 slat back side chairs in my office. There were 4 arm configurations and 4 back configurations plus the same selection under Alma listed as 301 series. Minimum unique parts maximum SKU's. About 1990 Alma was sold off to and investment group in NY, Myrtle and Clarendon were sold to Haworth Inc (pronounced the same but no connection) in 1993. The desk factories have all been closed however the Clarendon operation is still producing seating furniture under the Haworth name. Several of our members started with Myrtle Desk and or Clarendon in the late 60's early 70's

[bigwull]

I,m not being Rude..but You,d probably have to pay someone to take it off your hands..here in Scotland...

[ghopper1924]

I,m not being Rude..but You,d probably have to pay someone to take it off your hands..here in Scotland...

Not just in Scotland. I can't imagine anyone laying down much £ or $ for this anywhere else except for the retro mid-century crowd.

[mart]

Chairmaker52,, welcome to the group !!   Even though this is an older post,,your information is interesting !!  Care to put an approx date and value on this ??  All opinions are welcome here !!

[KC]

Nice to have you here Chairmaker52!  All input/knowledge appreciated!!!!

[write2earn]

Metro Movers is located at:
407 Omega Dr.
Gastonia, NC 28052

The green sticker under the cushion is from this moving company. They have recently changed phone numbers. Their sticker has an ID# on it and might identify the point of pickup and the pickup date. This would take you to a previous owner who may have more information about the love seat. The material composition indicates upholstery (or reupholstered) during the 1960s or 1970s when man made materials were more widely used and stain guards were liberally applied.

I hope this helps a bit. I'm really no aficionado at this type of thing except for playing detective for a couple of pieces in my family in the past.

[mart]

  Welcome to the group and thanks for the info !!  I had it as 70`s 80`s but could be a bit earlier !!  I remember all the stain guard fabrics !!