I have been looking at a GL roll top desk, it needs a finish and the owner wants 800 dollars.

My question is ...Did GL even make a roll top desk ? ..I can't find another one to compare it to. Maybe this desk isn't legit. ...and is 800 fair ?

I'm not sure whether they made a desk but I found some info about the marks from this book: Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, By Susan E. Stuart.

"Gillows Furniture is sometimes stamped, probably only 40% - that which was made for stock. The early stamped pieces bear "GILLOWS LANCASTER" or "GILLOW LANCASTER", later pieces bear "GILLOWS" or "GILLOWS & CO". A number is sometimes also found that can be used to trace the item through the company’s archive records. Gillow Furniture from the 18th and 19th Century bears the unmistakable characteristics of fine quality, simple design, and perfect proportion."

There is also a November 2008 article from New England Antiques Journal online here:
Gillows of Lancaster Two Centuries of English Furniture, which has some nice photos of the furniture and some recent pricing.

From this article:
"Gillows began marking its furniture earlier than many other makers. In the 1770s, a printed label “Gillow and Taylor” was attached. The “Gillows Lancaster” stamp was widespread from 1780 until the mid-nineteenth century, when it was replaced by a simple “Gillow” stamp. In the 1870s, the mark consisted of a capital L, followed by a serial number and the “Gillows Lancaster” stamp. At the end of the nineteenth century came the “Gillow & Co” stamp. Waring & Gillow marked their output with a thin brass plate."

The company records are held by the City of Westminster Archives Center . It might be useful to contact the librarian and see if you can get some research done on the item if it appears to be worth a considerable amount.

Regards,
Lauren

Hi Lauren,
I have been rather busy building two pieces destined for Sonoma CA. and now i have them packaged I can spend some more time monetoring this forum. Thaqnk you for taking my place while I was so busy. Here are two pictures of th eGreens and Greene Bath room cabinets I made for a client.

Now here is the second one, I am proud of the way the rays show.

Ralph

Hi, Ralph. Nice furniture. However, what is much more significant than those cabinets is your continued willingness to help educate others with your extensive knowledge of woodworking. While some guard their knowledge and skills, you have always been open to help answer questions, and that is where the true beauty lies. Thanks. Tim

Ralph,
Beautiful work. As a person who lives very near many examples of Greene & Greene houses (like the Gamble House) I appreciate your attention to detail.