Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen Rosewood "Magic Box" Desk Cabinet, 1960s

Folding desk cabinet designed by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen for Vantinge Møbelfabrik, Denmark, circa 1960s, in richly figured Brazilian rosewood with full-length brass piano hinges and brass drop-leaf hardware. Known in the trade as the "Magic Box," the cabinet closes into a compact two-door tower on casters — approximately chest height — and unfolds on a bi-fold hinge system to reveal a full-width writing surface supported by trestle legs that swing out from the interior. The flanking wings open to reveal adjustable open shelving above and generous open storage below, a fitted compartment grid at center lower section, and a lockable fall-front at center with cubbies above. The matched rosewood veneers display bold flame and ribbon figuring across every face, including the interior panels, and the joinery throughout reflects the precision expected of Danish cabinetmakers of the period.

Jensen's "Magic Box" was produced in several configurations — bar-only, secretary-only, and combination — and the design received significant coverage in Scandinavian shelter press of the 1960s. This example is most consistent with the secretary-desk variant given the fall-front lock and the interior's emphasis on writing and storage organization over bottle service.

CONDITION

Good overall; the rosewood surfaces retain strong figure and luster with age-consistent use marks including light scratches to the exterior door faces, a small dark mark on the writing surface, and minor finish variation on one interior panel. Veneer chipping is present at one hinged edge of the drop-leaf desk surface, and a short hairline separation is visible at a hinge junction on the leaf underside. Brass hardware and piano hinges are intact and functional; the cabinet opens, unfolds, and closes smoothly with the structure remaining solid throughout.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Closed: approximately 48" H × 32" W × 20.5" D
• Open: approximately 48" H × 61" W × 30" D
• Writing surface height (open): approximately 28" H
• Primary material: Brazilian rosewood veneer over substrate
• Hardware: brass piano hinges, brass drop-leaf supports, brass lock escutcheon
• Mobility: original casters (4), front pair visible
• Interior: adjustable open shelves, fitted compartment grid, lockable fall-front with cubbies above
• Trestle legs fold out from interior to support open configuration
• Designed by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen for Vantinge Møbelfabrik, Denmark, circa 1960s
• Bob Ross (6'2") Shown for Scale