LOT-014 Gilbert Rohde — Optometrist Desk, Troy Sunshade Co., c.1934, with K.E.M. Weber Tubular Chrome Armchair (Red Vinyl) — Estate of Douglas W. Lucak

A second Gilbert Rohde optometrist desk manufactured by the Troy Sunshade Company (c.1934), offered together with a K.E.M. Weber tubular chrome armchair with red vinyl upholstery — the matched companion to LOT-013 from the same distinguished Cleveland estate.

The Gilbert Rohde Desk

Gilbert Rohde (1894–1944) was among the most transformative figures in American design history, best known for his work with Herman Miller that essentially invented the modern American furniture industry. This optometrist desk — identical in specification to its companion (LOT-013) — was manufactured by the Troy Sunshade Company of Greenville, Ohio, circa 1934, in painted wood, chrome-plated tubular steel, vinyl, and resin.

The existence of two matched Rohde optometrist desks from a single estate strongly suggests these were purpose-acquired for a specific professional setting — likely an optometry practice with which the Lucak family had a connection, or acquired together as a collection. Two matched Rohde desks of documented date and maker represent a genuinely unusual opportunity: they can be offered as a pair at premium, or sold individually to separate collectors.

The K.E.M. Weber Armchair

The accompanying Weber armchair features red vinyl upholstery — a different colorway from the sage green chair in LOT-013, suggesting these chairs were used in a professional waiting or examination room setting with color-coded seating.

• Desk — Designer: Gilbert Rohde (1894–1944)
• Desk — Manufacturer: Troy Sunshade Company, Greenville, Ohio
• Desk — Date: c.1934
• Desk — Materials: Painted wood, chrome-plated tubular steel, vinyl and resin
• Desk — Dimensions: H: 30⅛" × W: 42¼" × D: 16"
• Chair — Designer: K.E.M. Weber
• Chair — Upholstery: Red vinyl
• Condition: Oxidation and surface scratches throughout
• Provenance: Estate of Douglas W. Lucak, Cleveland

Two-piece lot. Matched companion to LOT-013 (sage green Weber chair). Two Rohde optometrist desks from one estate — consider offering as a matched pair. Expert assessment strongly recommended before pricing either desk.