Thread: Strange drawer

It looks like it a DIY afterthought? What do you reckon Alex?

I think it was an amateur builder who had what he thought was a good idea for a document drawer that could be opened when the writing fall was down.

My guess without seeing the rest of it would be , a place to rest the fall front for a different writing or reading angle, lower than horizontal, if the bureau has lopers to rest the fall on and they are pushed in will it work in that way?
Rob.

I'd bet a whole dollar it's part of a portable, or non-portable, desk, and used for storing paper. Thomas Jefferson invented one a little like this, but without the hinged bottom for the drawer. (Lucky guess): Google [jefferson writing desk] provides some significant hits, including other eras and Merrie Olde.

Cheers,
Joe

Hmm.. Are you sure its old?

Looking at a Google Images search of "Jefferson writing desk", I came across lots of writing desks with keyboard draws which look just like yours...?

Here's one: Kathy Ireland Home by Martin Furniture Mission Hills 58" W Traditional Writing Desk - IMMH384

Yes, it's a small writing desk, but the drawer wasn't to support the fall front. As for age, I'd guess it was made in the 1950s, but that's just a guess. It could have been an afterthought, but more likely designed that way, as the drawer was still the right depth.

I rather think that it would be ideal for a phone directory.