Strange drawer

[munruben]

Just seen this thread. That is very unusual. I have never seen one before. I would agree to it being a document drawer too. Thanks for sharing the pics with us.

[Eldanos of KDM]

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

[AlexS]

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.

[auscab]

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.

[joe greiner]

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

[rhancock]

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

[AlexS]

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.

[wjfiles]

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