An unusual table

This table came into the Bargain Loft the other day.  Initially I thought that it would make a good hall table, but in fact it is more versatile than that..

The drawer pulls out..

..to reveal the top of a full-size school desk..

The lid of the desk opens as it should - although it is barely deep enough for the break-time apple which I often had at junior school (and which used to smell so good at each change of lessons when the lid was opened!)

It still has its original Bakelite-topped glass inkwell and this gives the only clue about the manufacturer - American Seating.

It has been fascinating to try to research this item and the conclusion so far is that it is a created piece - maybe for home-schooling?

The American Seating company has been in business for generations - one of those manufacturers that you might not know the name of but in the US at least you are likely to have sat on or at their products - in schools, colleges, cinemas, libraries, theatres, community venues etc.

Anyway it is about to start a new life as my bead jewelery work station.  I just need to find the right size apple to fit - although I am not sure that will be the same without the accompanying small bottle of slightly warm school milk!