Lot 76

Rare Moore Insurance Patent Cabinet Desk, Indianapolis, Indiana, Patented 1878

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Rare Moore Insurance Patent Cabinet Desk, Indianapolis, Indiana, Patented 1878

Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000

Starting Bid: $4,000

(0 Bids)

by Stevens Auction Company
July 11, 2026 11:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
129 E Commerce Street
Aberdeen, MS, US 39730

Rare and important Moore Insurance Patent Cabinet Desk by The Moore Combination Desk Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, late 19th century, walnut and mixed woods, retaining maker’s plaque reading “Moore’s Cabinet Desk, Indianapolis, Ind., Patented Jan. 8, 1878,” “Letters” plaque, interior paper label for The Moore Combination Desk Co., and associated key/hinge envelope from S.G. Stein, 201–203 First National Bank, Muscatine, Iowa. This scarce two-wing cabinet desk opens to form a complete executive and clerical office station, with one side fitted as an executive writing desk and the opposing wing arranged for clerical filing and document storage. The interior is elaborately fitted with a sliding writing surface, green writing panels, pigeonholes, letter slots, document compartments, folio dividers, interior drawers, brass pulls, postal/file boxes, numerous blue-painted metal file drawers, large hinges, locks, keys, and gallery top. Joseph A. Moore’s patented cabinet-desk design was developed in the same Indianapolis office-furniture tradition as Wooton and was intended as a self-contained organizational office, capable of closing while preserving papers and writing materials within. The documented Muscatine, Iowa bank provenance adds considerable interest, with the accompanying envelope tying the desk to S.G. Stein of First National Bank, Muscatine. A rare and highly desirable American patent office desk with exceptional architectural presence, strong mechanical and organizational appeal, and significant collector interest. Dimensions: 51 in. H, 50 in. W, 43 in. D.

  • Condition: Good antique condition overall, presenting impressively and appearing substantially complete. Expected wear from age and office use, including scattered scratches, finish wear, abrasions, oxidation to hardware, wear and soiling to writing surfaces, minor veneer and molding imperfections, small losses, label wear, and age-related surface irregularities. Retains maker’s plaques, interior label, keys, and associated provenance envelope. Mechanisms and locks should be inspected prior to sale, but the desk appears highly complete and desirable.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,499 $100
$2,500 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $49,999 $1,000
$50,000 $99,999 $2,500
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 + $50,000