In 1970, author John Garrity purchased a three-piece mahogany Empire sideboard that once belonged to Masters cofounder Clifford Roberts. Despite being labeled as a desk, the piece holds sentimental value to Garrity, as it served as his writing space in his early days in New York City. The sign on the sideboard suggests that it may have been used by Roberts for various purposes, such as signing contracts or scorecards. However, the true history of the sideboard’s use remains a mystery.
Roberts, known for his close relationship with President Eisenhower, was more than just an American investment dealer and golf administrator. He was a significant figure in U.S. political history and the annals of golf. The sideboard, with its uncertain provenance and historical significance, raises questions about its value and authenticity. Garrity reflects on his acquisition of the sideboard from a Salvation Army Thrift Store in Hell’s Kitchen and the challenges he faced in transporting and assembling the piece in his apartment.
Over the years, the sideboard has become a decorative piece in Garrity’s home, holding sentimental value and family memories. The sideboard’s value in today’s market is uncertain, as antique furniture values are declining due to changing consumer preferences. An expert appraisal reveals that the sideboard may be worth between two and twenty-five hundred dollars, considering its unique history and provenance. However, Garrity’s attachment to the piece goes beyond its monetary value, as it symbolizes his early writing career and connection to a significant historical figure.
The sideboard’s unique features, such as the stationery boxes, knife boxes, and liquor storage compartments, add to its historical charm and allure. Despite its misidentification as a desk, the sideboard holds a special place in Garrity’s heart as a symbol of his early writing days in New York City. The piece’s link to Clifford Roberts and President Eisenhower adds an extra layer of significance and value to its history.
As the sideboard remains a cherished possession in Garrity’s home, it serves as a reminder of his writing roots and connection to the world of literature and golf. The piece’s potential value in a collector’s market adds to its intrigue, as it carries the legacy of a significant historical figure in the world of golf. Whether it is viewed as a desk or a sideboard, the piece holds a unique place in Garrity’s heart and home, representing a bygone era of writing and storytelling.
