Price match guarantee

If you find the same item listed at a lower price (including delivery) elsewhere, we'll match it for you.

For further policy details click here.

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How it works

  1. Send a screenshot of the item from the other website with date and time visible.
  2. Send us the link of the item on Vinterior and on the other website.
  3. We'll check that it's the same item from the same seller.
  4. If eligible, Vinterior matches the price.
Request a price match

Item details

Height

112.0 cm

Width

82.0 cm

Depth

54.0 cm

Wear conditions Wear conditions

Good

Wear conditions

Excellent

Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.

Good

May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.

Average

Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.

Apparent Wear and Tear

Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.

Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.

Description

This exceptional Magic Box desk, designed by Swiss designers Mummenthaler & Meier in Switzerland but manufactured in Norway in the 1950s (we believe by Pfeiffer), is a true example of mid-century innovation and outstanding craftsmanship.
It has been in my family since new; it was bought by my grandmother in Sweden, in, we think, the very late ‘50s, so my description is from what she told us many years ago and also from our own research.
With a teak exterior it opens up to show a stylish light birch interior (we are pretty sure these are the woods used) in an ingenious metamorphic design it transforms from a sleek rectangular cabinet into a fully functional retro workstation that is just as useful today.
Please note: the desk measures 164cm wide when fully opened up (there is no option to include this within the measurements section)
When opened, the two doors reveal an extraordinary number of adjustable shelves and compartments - and a large slide-out writing surface supported by fold-out flaps. Beneath the desk surface is a spacious drawer for additional storage. The outer sections fold back to maximize the workspace, and the entire unit can be securely closed using top and bottom slidehooks. The fitted lock in the front is missing its key however, so a replacement would be needed.
The integral light, with its timeless blue powder-coat style metal shade and brass ‘gooseneck’ flexi-stalk still works. It has a handy on-off switch and folds neatly into its shelf when the desk is closed.
A further original feature is the vintage cardboard drop-in filing system that sits in one of the doors (but simply lifts out if not needed).
This desk is quite remarkable in how much it unfolds – and how much storage space it offers; it eats up and hides huge amounts of files and stationery.
Its condition is reasonable to very good; it shows a few marks and small dinks in places, from light use over the years, but nothing that visually or operationally detracts from the piece.
It is stamped ‘Made in Norway’ on the back.
It has been much loved and we will be sad to see it go.

Material
Other Wood
Item location
Pewsey , United Kingdom
Period
Mid 20th Century
Condition
Used

Cancellations

We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.

Returns

We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.

This item will be delivered by Vinterior's delivery partner, Proovia. Find out more about Proovia and delivery at Vinterior here.

The average lifespan of a Vinterior piece is 100 years, while modern flat-pack typically takes just 3 years to reach landfill. When you choose pre-loved, you can shop with confidence in quality, craftsmanship and longevity. With our top-rated customer service team and price match guarantee, there's no better way to shop pre-loved.
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Located in Pewsey, United Kingdom
  • Ships from Pewsey, United Kingdom

Cancellations and Returns

Last updated: 17th October 2024

Our Terms of sale were designed to treat both Customers and Vendors (including Professional Vendors and Non-Professional Vendors (as defined in the Site Terms)) fairly, in order to make the shopping/selling experience with Vinterior just as exceptional as the items.

To protect our Customers from disappointment or the unexpected, we strongly encourage them to closely inspect item photos, descriptions, and details before purchasing anything on the Site, and then again upon delivery or pickup.

If the Customer is unsure about an item's condition, dimensions, quantity, or description, they can send their questions to the item's Vendor by clicking on Ask the seller on the listing page of the Site.

Customers shall receive the same level of consumer protection on purchases irrespective of whether they are buying from a Professional Vendor or Non-Professional Vendor.

Should you have any questions regarding your transaction, please contact the Vendor in the first instance.

Can I cancel an order?

If a Customer changes their mind or decides for any other reason not to purchase the Goods before they have been dispatched, they can cancel the order on the Site and receive a refund.

The right to cancel does not apply to the following types of goods, which are non-refundable: items that are personalised, bespoke, or made-to-order according to the customer's specific requirements. If in doubt, the Customer can contact the Vendor via the Site.

If the Customer cancels an order after an item has already been marked as dispatched for delivery, the delivery costs are non-refundable.

To cancel the order, the Customer must follow the cancellation procedure on the Site by clicking on Create Cancellation on the order page.

Can I return an item?

At Vinterior, we understand that sometimes a piece may not be the perfect fit once it's in your home. That's why we offer a 14-day return policy, allowing you to return any item within 14 days from the date of delivery for any reason.

In the rare event that an item arrives damaged or defective, you have 30 days from the date of delivery to return it for a full refund or to have the issue fixed when possible.

Please note that certain items are non-refundable, including those that are personalised, bespoke, or made-to-order according to your specific requirements.

Types of returns and responsibilities

Change of mind return

Consumers can return the goods due to a change of mind. Once a return is requested, the buyer is in charge of shipping the goods back to the seller and should organise it as soon as possible. Shipment costs to and from buyers are non-refundable.

Item not fit for purpose

Acting under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, customers may return faulty Goods that are damaged or the listing on the Site is materially inaccurate, misleading, or misrepresents the Goods. In these cases, the Customer must provide photographic evidence to Vinterior and the Vendor or reject the delivery on arrival.

Damage in transit

Vinterior must be informed of any damage in transit. If Proovia delivered the items, Vinterior will then raise an insurance claim on behalf of the Vendor with the delivery company. If the seller organised a delivery, they would be asked to raise a claim with their courier. Once the claim is resolved and any relevant decision regarding the insurance has been made, any applicable refunds will be processed.

How to request a return

To initiate a return the customer needs to log in to their Vinterior account and click Create a return on the order page. In the return request, the reason for the return must be included along with photos of any damage of the Goods, if faulty.

How you will be refunded?

Once the item is returned to the Vendor in the same condition, the Vendor will confirm receipt of the item, and Vinterior will refund the original payment method.

If an item is returned to the seller damaged or in an unsuitable condition, Vinterior will not be able to process the refund, and the seller may have to send it back (and ask you to cover the delivery costs). All items are inspected on return.

What can't be returned?

As with cancellations, the right to return an item does not apply to the following types of Goods, which are non-refundable: items that are personalised, bespoke or made-to-order to the Customer's specific requirements.

Please note that vintage items are not sold as new and are likely to show signs of wear and tear. This is not sufficient grounds for a refund.

Vendors may refuse a return of an item if the Customer has altered it in any way.

Neither Vinterior nor the Vendors are liable for any damages or loss sustained in transit via third parties.

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