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Antique Theodor Kundtz School Desks

  Lot # 156
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Payment Options Seller Accepts PayPal
Seller Accepts Credit Cards
Details
Condition
Good for age but shows signs of use
Size
27.5"H x 22"W x 22"D; 28.5"H x 22"W x 27"D
Location
#1
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Lot # 156
System ID # 3894893
End Date
Start Date
Description

This Lot consists of a set of Theodor Kundtz Back to Back Antique Maple Wood School Desks with Iron Frames. Show wear due to use and age as can be seen in photographs but great pieces to either re-stain or turn into a focal decorative piece with a new color of chalk paint.

Theodor Kundtz immigrated to Cleveland at the age of 21 from Hungary in 1873. Trained as a carpenter, he found a job making cabinets for Whitworth Co.  In 1878 he left Whitworth and founded his own company, Theodor Kundtz Company at 122 Elm Street. Kundtz also founded a bicycle wheel company. He combined the two businesses that turned this poor immigrant into one of Cleveland's largest employers. In 1899 - 1903 he built and resided in what is known as Kundtz Castle which was situated on five acres of land at 13826 Lake Avenue Lakewood, Ohio.  The mansion featured a five story tower, a bowling alley, and a music room with 12 stained glass windows. Kundtz did most of the woodwork himself. In 1925, the Cleveland Press called Kundtz's work "genius." He also founded the Hungarian Savings and Loan Company and funded the Hungarian Hall on Clark Avenue. In 1902, Kundtz's service to the Hungarian people was recognized and honored when Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary who had the immigrant turned businessman and philanthropist knighted. In 1960, before Kundtz Castle was demolished, the Eggleston Company salvaged some of the woodwork and sold it at auction. Most pieces went to private collectors, allowing the memory of Kundtz Castle and his successful legacy of a carpenter to survive. Kundtz passed away on September 14, 1937 at the age of 85.