Karpen Secretary Desk

[Dedie]

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]

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]

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]

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 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

[Dedie]

Thanks for the homework! I'll take a look and more pics tomorrow.

[ghopper1924]

Could you get a closeup of the Karpen label?

[mart]

OK I see the door at top,, but what does it open for ??

[cogar]

Strange, ...... it doesn't have a "back" on it.

[mart]

Odd that a door would be there !!

[ghopper1924]

The whole thing seems a bit odd...it's like no Karpen I have seen![/tt]

[greenacres]

Maybe it was pieces put together ?

[mart]

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]

What made you believe this was Karpen? I've never seen them do such a style...

[KC]

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!

[kidden6968]

Well I personally am with Wendy - I wouldn't know Karpin from Broyhill   

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.