Author Topic: Karpen Secretary Desk  (Read 8473 times)

Dedie

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Karpen Secretary Desk
« on: September 23, 2012, 08:19:52 pm »
Hello Everyone,

We received a Karpen Secretary desk from my husbands aunt and we are trying to find out the approximate age and value of it. It is in good condition and I hope the photos I'm attaching are good enough. This is my first time in this site and I'm really excited to utilize everyone's input.

Thank you!
Dedie

kidden6968

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2012, 08:25:17 pm »
Welcome Dedie - there are many very knowledgeable folks on the board and I am sure someone can help you out.

What I have learned is that if you can post pictures of the details it would be help a lot - such as the back, the legs, how it is connected - the hardware - any markings etc.

Welcome aboard!

Dedie

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2012, 08:31:15 pm »
Thank you! I guess I will have to sign up for photo-bucket and upload the more detailed photo's I have and put the link on it.

greenacres

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2012, 09:10:30 pm »
Hi Dedie! Welcome, it's preferred that you post your pictures here. By the time we are done with you'll be a professional photographer, lol ;D You need to crop a lot and resize photos. First they are going to want to see the joints. Are they dovetail joints? You need to take pictures of that. Pull out a drawer and take picture of how it was put together. Then take a picture of the back. We will want to see if there is any writng. It will also let us see how it was comstructed. They will want to know what area the desk originated from. I think that's enough homework for now, lol
" Energy and Persistence conquer all things."

Dedie

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2012, 09:24:09 pm »
Thanks for the homework! I'll take a look and more pics tomorrow.

ghopper1924

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2012, 05:30:56 am »
Could you get a closeup of the Karpen label?
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mart

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #6 on: September 24, 2012, 06:11:58 am »
OK I see the door at top,, but what does it open for ??

cogar

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #7 on: September 24, 2012, 07:06:34 am »
Strange, ...... it doesn't have a "back" on it.

mart

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #8 on: September 24, 2012, 07:17:43 am »
Odd that a door would be there !!

ghopper1924

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #9 on: September 24, 2012, 08:30:36 am »
The whole thing seems a bit odd...it's like no Karpen I have seen![/tt]
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greenacres

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #10 on: September 24, 2012, 09:04:58 am »
Maybe it was pieces put together ?
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mart

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #11 on: September 24, 2012, 10:48:41 am »
From the front all looks well matched so don`t think its a married piece !!  Can you take a pic of the back ?? Perhaps something was removed !!

antiquesnsuch

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #12 on: September 24, 2012, 12:35:49 pm »
What made you believe this was Karpen? I've never seen them do such a style...

KC

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #13 on: September 24, 2012, 01:06:38 pm »
Front doesn't look like it is a married piece.  Someone took off the back.

Unfortunately, it was damaged or someone wanted to put a computer/tv in it and didn't want to drill holes I am betting!

I can honestly say I haven't seen a Karpen piece like this either.  However, it resembles the original tin Karpen tag.  
(as seen here - )

Looks "French" in style.  Karpen Brothers (9 of them) were well known for their upholstered furniture!  They did make their own wooden frames....  They were renowned for their GUARANTEE of their furniture!
« Last Edit: September 24, 2012, 01:21:02 pm by KC »
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kidden6968

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Re: Karpen Secretary Desk
« Reply #14 on: September 24, 2012, 01:10:40 pm »
Well I personally am with Wendy - I wouldn't know Karpin from Broyhill   :P

It is a nice looking piece but the top is pretty odd.  Did they remove the back and put it on the door that opens?  Even with the back off - the door just doesn't look right either.