Description:

LEATHER COVERED KNEEHOLE DESK FROM COLLECTION OF FREDERICK DUNN
American, mid-20th century, oak. Rectangular leather covered top with additional drop leaves to both ends, with a central frieze drawer with two short drawers to each side all with leather strap pulls, and straight legs, alterations and leather added by Fred Dunn.

From the collection of Quinta Scott, St. Louis, Missouri, inherited from Frederick Dunn.

Frederick Dunn earned a degree in Fine Arts from Yale University, before beginning his career as an architect in 1930s St. Louis alongside Charles Eames and Harris Armstrong. During this time, the popular Art Deco and pared down Classical tastes of the time dictated his designs. When he returned to St. Louis in 1945, after serving in the Navy during World War II, he was able to work in the purer Modernist style that he preferred. Along with residences and churches in Greater St. Louis, he designed the National Council of State Garden Clubs headquarters and Steinberg Memorial Skating Rink in Forest Park.

  • Provenance: From the collection of Frederick Dunn,
    By descent to Quinta Scott, St. Louis, Missouri
  • Dimensions: 30 1/2 x 54 1/4 x 24 1/4 in. (77.5 x 137.8 x 61.6 cm.)
  • Condition:
    It is the Buyer's responsibility to examine each lot in advance of bidding so as to satisfy themselves concerning condition, genuineness, age, description, etc.  Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion, and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Reference to condition written, oral or within a condition report shall not be regarded as a full account of condition and may not include all defects, alterations, or restorations. Absence of a condition report does not imply a lot is flawless or lacking imperfections or damage. Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Returns shall not be accepted on the basis of condition. 

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is the full responsibility of the buyer. A full list of preferred third-party shippers can be found on our website at the bottom of the page: https://www.selkirkauctions.com/buy-sell/post-auction-services/. Selkirk will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any items left in Selkirk's possession fifteen (15) days after the sale. If arrangements for shipping have not been made and communicated within thirty (30) days, Selkirk reserves the right, at this time, to charge a storage fee of $10 per lot per day for furniture and large format items and $5 per lot per day for all other items, and within sixty (60) days, at its own discretion, sell any items left on the premises. Accumulated fees resulting from storage and insurance cost will be taken out of any proceeds.

Objects that contain materials of endangered or protected species may be subject to regulations disallowing export and import into other states or countries. It is the buyer's responsibility to be aware of all applicable laws and regulations and to obtain any required export or import licenses or certificates and any other required documentation.

October 31, 2025 10:00 AM CDT
St. Louis, MO, US

Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $1,000,000:
30.00%
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000:
25.00%
$5,000,001+:
20.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $29 $5
$30 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $299,999 $10,000
$300,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 + $50,000