Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Free Appraisals
    • Get a Free Appraisal
    • View Appraisals
    • Local Appraisers
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
  • Shows
    • Antique Shows, Flea Markets, & Swap Meets Map
    • Upcoming Shows
User Menu
  • Login
  • Help
  • Register

Breadcrumb

  1. Home

Leather Top Writing Desk

By NathanK98, 25 February, 2019
Description

I recently purchases a supposedly antique writing desk from someone on Facebook (I didn't spend much). The desk isn't in very good condition, but I was wondering if I could get an idea regarding the era of the piece, origins, and any possible value. The dovetails on the drawers have some cutting marks indicating that the piece is handmade, but they are very uniform as well so I cannot determine this aspect on my own. The desk also appears to have previously been refinished (and not very well) and the leather top was possibly replaced at some point. The only markings on the desk are on a single handwritten label inside the upper left drawer (see image) which looks to be written in French (I also found an old French wedding invitation in the back of the desk from 1972). The hardware on the front of the desk is not solid brass (not magnetic), but the keyhole trim is real brass. I found one nail which appears to have been handmade in one of the mortise locks in the drawers, but other screws vary in age due to replacement. There are also no markings on the mortise locks, but they are solid brass.

 

Any help or insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

Category
American Furniture
Medium
Wood
Distinguishing marks
Handwritten label in upper left-hand drawer
Condition
Fair
For Sale?
No
Photos
  • Log in or register to post comments

Today’s Featured Blog

How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners

More Blog articles…

Recent Appraisals

  • Hugh Armstrong Robinson
  • Chinese Coins
  • Hand painted oval glass
  • Plates
  • Gold cross
  • Locket
  • Desk single pedestal and swivel tilt chair
  • Shell Cameo Brooch
  • Painting in Yosemite on canvas board
  • Lamp
See more appraisals…

Recent Appraisal Comments

  • 1913 Signed Letter from Aviation Pioneer Hugh Robinson
  • A Moment in Time in the Amazing Life of Hugh Armstrong Robinson
  • Qing Dynasty Hunan Province 7 Mace and 2 Candareens Coin
  • Hand painted custom glass
  • I don't knw the history of…
  • Ornate Gold-Tone Cross Necklace
  • Vintage Silver Oval Floral Locket Necklace
  • Antique Single-Pedestal Oak Desk and Cane-Seat Swivel Chair
  • Antique Italian Carved Shell Cameo Brooch (c. 1860–1890)
  • Original Oil Painting by James D. Coleman

Recent Blog Articles

  • How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners
  • Beyond the Price Tag: The Hidden Factors That Influence Antique and Collectible Value
  • Beyond the Price Tag: Unlocking the Hidden Stories in Your Family Heirlooms
  • Antiques as an Investment: Beyond the Hype, What's Actually Worth It?
  • Is it Real or Just Really Old? Your Guide to Spotting Fake Antiques (and How to Protect Yourself)
  • Beyond the Dust: Unearthing the Stories Behind Your Antiques (and Why Knowing Matters)
  • Unlocking Time's Treasures: Your Essential Vintage Watch Value Guide

More Blog articles…

© 1995- InstAppraisalâ„¢, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Terms and Conditions, End User License Agreement