How much is a Larkin desk worth?

often is called a Larkin desk by collectors, but it is also called a side-by-side secretary or a bookcase desk. It was made circa 1910, but unfortunately the prices of most oak furniture have suffered a downturn in recent years and the insurance replacement value of this piece is currently $1,800 to $2,200.

What is Larkin furniture?

A–There were numerous pieces of Larkin furniture, ranging from Hoosier-type kitchen cabinets to wooden ice boxes to a variety of desks, chairs, tables and other pieces for every room in the house. At one time the furniture was given away as premiums with the purchase of Larkin soaps and food products.

What happened to the Larkin Soap Company?

Sales fell from a high of $28.6 million in 1920 to $2 million by 1939. The company was sold in 1941, liquidated in 1942, and the new owners continued a mail-order business until 1962.

Where was Larkin furniture made?

Larkin’s first factory was located at 196-198 Chicago Street in Buffalo’s Old First Ward area, and by 1877 the company had grown so rapidly that Larkin purchased property at 667 Seneca Street in the Hydraulics neighborhood in order to build a larger factory, adjacent to rail lines and the needed raw materials.

Why was Larkin Building Demolished?

In 1949 the building was sold to the Western Trading Corporation, which announced plans to demolish it for a truck stop. It did so in 1950 despite countrywide editorial protests; however, no truck stop was ever constructed.

Who owns the Larkin Building in Buffalo?

Three years later, cash-strapped Larkin sold its headquarters building to a Pennsylvania real estate investor, who had hoped to turn a profit with possible federal government interest in the building.

What was the Larkin Company?

The Larkin Company renders custom solutions in disability management and leave services for disabled employees.

What happened to the Larkin Building?

The Larkin Administration Building was foreclosed upon for back taxes in 1945 by the city of Buffalo. The city tried to sell the building over the next five years and considered other uses. In 1949 the building was sold to the Western Trading Corporation, which announced plans to demolish it for a truck stop.

Why was Larkin Building demolished?

What is a Larkin Chautauqua desk?

This is the famous “Chautauqua” desk first offered by Larkin in the 1901 catalog for six certificates or as a premium for buying a $10 Combination Case of Larkin Soap products. Variations of this desk were offered into the early 1920s.

What is the value of a Larkin desk?

The piece owned by S.H. often is called a Larkin desk by collectors, but it is also called a side-by-side secretary or a bookcase desk. It was made circa 1910, but unfortunately the prices of most oak furniture have suffered a downturn in recent years and the insurance replacement value of this piece is currently $1,800 to $2,200.

Where is the Larkin catalog published?

The current catalog is published by Walter Ayars of Echo Publishing in Summerdale, PA. One of the most popular items in Larkin’s inventory was the drop front combination bookcase/desk.

Where is the Larkin co oak tree made?

It is oak and has a paper label that reads “Larkin Co. Buffalo, New York, Made by our factory No. 5.” I would like to know its history and value.