This is a combination that I never imagined that I would see – a combination kneehole desk and sofa with integrated drawers.  It has the simple lines that are typical of the transition from Victorian to the early turn of the 20th century, but true to Horner form, it sports a set of paw feet.  The label isn’t captured very well in the images but the Horner label design can be seen and the seller states that it even includes the date – 1908.

If I didn’t have a stairway that prevents it’s ascension to my office on the top floor, I would be a serious bidder.  Bidding starts at $1,999 – more information at the listing.

Related items for sale - hover mouse for more information

Attributed to Horner, here’s a carved masterpiece of quartersawn oak and carved Sphinxes. This desk has a working drawer and the pulls are fashioned in the shape of coiled cobras. Extensively carved with gadrooning on the top, stretcher, and legs. Currently bid to $2,025, bidding ends May 22nd. Beautiful piece from a reputable buyer. More details here.

Related items for sale - hover mouse for more information

Here is another Horner Parnter’s desk but this one is a much meatier form with four griffins guarding the corners of the desk. From the pictures it is not possible to see the condition of the top. This desk is made of mahogany and the dimensions are 56″ L x 37″ W. Bidding starts at $5,775.00 and expected range is $17,500 to $27,500. Listing can be seen here.

Related items for sale - hover mouse for more information

Hello blogosphere! This is the first post for my new Horner-only antique furniture blog. I started the Rare Victorian blog a month ago and have seen a serious following of Horner lovers so I am breaking out a separate blog for Horner pieces. If you are not familiar with my Rare Victorian Blog I post entries profiling rare victorian furniture on sale at online auctions from the best makers of the era. I have no affiliations with any of the sellers so I only post those items that I have a particular interest in and would purchase myself. I collect this information for my own purposes anyway and thought I’d post it out, making it convenient for others to follow.

It’s only fitting that I start my blog with a first post profiling an unbelievably carved desk from R. J. Horner. There isn’t a surface that isn’t carved and the quartersawn oak grain inside this desk gives new meaning to the oft-used term “tiger oak”. Bradford’s Antiques, the seller, mentions that this desk is one of only two or three known to be done in oak. More from the listing:

Rare R.J. Horner Quartersawn Oak Winged Griffin Slant Front Desk

Circa 1880′s

One of only Two or Three Known to been made in Oak!

MINT ALL ORIGINAL

Carved to Death

Secret Drawer with Gargoyle Head

Secret Drawer Button hidden Inside the Desk

All Relief Carved

The Best Quartersawn Flake Possible Throughout

Original Fitted Interior with Drawers and Columns

Six Drawer Desk all Serpentine Fronts and All Relief Carved with Carved Pulls

Massive Griffins in Fine Horner Style Detail

Notice how the Griffins are Squatting on their Haunches and how the Tails Curl up between the Legs

Also see How the Wings are Elongated to have the Tips go back past the Side of the Case.

The Griffins are in Mint Condition with No Cracks or Breaks!

This Desk is in All Original Mint Condition.

The Back is Finished Quartersawn Oak as well

Height: 46 inches

Width 42.5 inches

Depth: 22 inches

Related items for sale - hover mouse for more information