Antique Kittinger Jacobean Spanish Revival American Walnut Carved Secretary Desk

Description

Extremely rare one of a kind early Kittinger Jacobean Revival fall front secretary writing desk. Made from American walnut with a carved and paneled front featuring a floral motif over diamond patterned lower doors. The secretary opens via lock to a central drawer beneath a cubby flanked by shelves and pigeon holes. Lower cabinet opens to an interior storage space. Lower doors are scrolled and centered by an acorn turned drop finial. The case is supported by jointed and turned legs. The secretaries quaint form make it perfect for any space. Tagged along the back side "Kittinger Buffalo Furniture Worth While Since 1866"

Construction
Top and Sides : Solid American Walnut
Legs, Rails and Stretchers : Solid American Walnut
Desk Partitions and Shelves : Solid American Walnut
Drawer Fronts : Solid American Walnut
Drawer Interiors : Quartered White Oak

For over 150 years, The Kittinger Furniture Company has set an unparalleled standard among manufacturers of fine furniture.

Established in 1866 - one year after peace between the North and the South was restored - America held a wealth of natural resources, a burgeoning free-trade market, and a massive Western Frontier waiting to be developed. Industrial entrepreneurs were filled with high hopes and magnificent expectations. George and Oliver Colie were such entrepreneurs.

​The Colies' opened a paper factory in the bustling Great Lakes port city of Buffalo, NY. Soon thereafter, they also began to manufacture upholstered furniture and that business boomed. In 1885 they opened a furniture plant that produced beautiful hand-crafted furniture in classic 18th century styles.

When George Colie's son-in-law, Irvine J. Kittinger, took the helm, The Kittinger Furniture Company was born. To Irvine Kittinger, quality was paramount.

In 1966, the Kittinger family sold the company to General Interiors Corporation which began the era of "revolving door" ownership.

1975 - General Mills Corporation takes ownership

1975 - Kittinger purchases Biggs Furniture of Richmond, Virginia

1986 - Chicago-Pacific Corporation takes ownership

1988 - Maytag Corporation takes ownership

1989 - Ladd Furniture Corporation takes ownership

1990 - Michael Carlow, a private investor, takes ownership

Although respect for the furniture industry varied by owners, the quality of Kittinger Furniture remained excellent and was always the pride of its skilled workers. Unfortunately, due to mismanagement and the legal issues of Michael Carlow, Kittinger Furniture was forced to close its iconic Elmwood Avenue factory and the companies assets were scheduled for auction.

​In 1996, Ray (a Master Cabinetmaker at Kittinger) and Karen Bialkowski purchased the Kittinger Furniture Company and all of its intellectual property. They quickly re-established the company and settled in a new factory in North Buffalo. Many of the original craftsman returned to work for the re-opened company.

​Since taking ownership, Ray and Karen have grown and expanded the Kittinger Furniture Company. In 2014, the Kittinger Furniture Company opened a new factory and headquarters where all furniture is still made to order by the hands of skilled craftsmen.

Condition

Good Antique Condition;Light use related wear. There is some finish loss on the writing surface as well as a burn mark/ softening to the wood on the front left side/ corner

Dimensions

12.5" x 45"h x 32.5", writing surface