Hello! I have a mid-century modern style desk, that I think might be authentic and from that era, but I'm really not sure. If any of the experts on this forum could lend their help with sharing more info on this piece, it would be appreciated.
The only form of identification on the desk I can find is on its underside, where a stamp says:
Mobilia
Made in Denmark
Import
I've searched high and low but I didn't see much information on Mobilia as a Danish furniture company. I enjoy the look of this desk. I realize it's not in perfect shape, but is it by chance worth much?
Thank you
I am not familiar with that logo (I have a database of over 1000 Danish furniture logos). You did not mention your location, but I would venture a guess that "Mobilia" in this case was an importing firm based in the country of your location. The fact that it is a heat brand, and not an ink stamp or sticker, would also lead me to guess that your desks was from either the late 50's or 60's.
In terms of the desk itself, there are a few designs out there that are similar. Yours may or may not have a designer associated with it. Value is probably middle of the road. It looks like a nice desk to use around the house without having to worry about damaging something of high value.
Welcome to the Forum.
I agree with @cdsilva's assessment and had done a cursory unrewarding search myself. I noticed several smaller desks with privacy panels like yours listed as "ladies desks" if that helps. A few distinctive features or possible clues as to maker that I noticed are:
"Floating" drawer case.
Placement of the pulls lower on the drawer faces rather than at the top edges (as is more common for this style).
Subtly fluted legs (very unusual).
Perhaps other of our super sleuths will pipe in but, meanwhile, please update with possible attribution if and/or when.
Good luck!
According to an anthology of Danish furniture production, Mobilia Møbler was a furniture business located in Hedensted, Denmark. The company was co-founded in 1960 by Herluf Nørregaard Knudsen and his brother Johan Nørregaard Knudsen. Herluf began his career in the furniture industry as an upholsterer, he had an upholstery business in Hedensted in 1955. Johan worked as a salesman. In 1960, the Knudsen brothers founded Mobilia Møbler, a partnership specializing in furniture sales, with a dedicated department for office furniture and home furnishings.
So @cdsilva seems to be kind of right. Apparently they didn't produce the desk themselves. They either just sold it or they had a subcontractor who made it exclusively for them.
"People buy a chair, and they don't really care who designed it." (Arne Jacobsen)
@cdsilva, @tktoo, @Herringbone - thank you all so very much. I really appreciate your thoughts and the background information you have so generously shared!
I purchased the desk secondhand in Portland, Oregon, USA from someone on Craigslist.
If there are any other details or pictures that would be helpful, I am happy to try to provide them.
Attached is a pic of its backside, fwiw.
Welcome to the Forum.
I agree with @cdsilva's assessment and had done a cursory unrewarding search myself. I noticed several smaller desks with privacy panels like yours listed as "ladies desks" if that helps. A few distinctive features or possible clues as to maker that I noticed are:
"Floating" drawer case.
Placement of the pulls lower on the drawer faces rather than at the top edges (as is more common for this style).
Subtly fluted legs (very unusual).
Perhaps other of our super sleuths will pipe in but, meanwhile, please update with possible attribution if and/or when.
Good luck!
@tktoo: Great catch on the fluted legs! You really have an eye for the details!
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