Your desk is a Colonial Revival style example, these generally date from the mid 1920's through World War Two, but the style has never really been out of production. Here's a link for you:
Both painted and stained finishes were used, the only way to tell is to examine an area where the paint is worn off and see if there is any evidence of stain and a clear finish underneath, or if you see any hint of brush strokes then the finish was applied later by a former owner.
Though this table or desk looks a like a good antique furniture but you won't be doing yourself any good using such a desk. Its a great desk if your going to use it sometime during the weekend but if you are going to be working on one then you need ergonomic desk. They are modern desks that do not leave you cramped for space. You must be using something of that sort or precisely an ergonomic desk.
As I can see in that picture you have kept heavy furniture over the carpet that could leave deep impressions over the surface of the carpet and once you shift the furniture some where else the marks would be visible. Therefore its always a good idea not to place heavy furniture over a carpet or rugs.
Re: writing desk
Your desk is a Colonial Revival style example, these generally date from the mid 1920's through World War Two, but the style has never really been out of production. Here's a link for you:
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-8029137.html
Value wise, you did well for $30.00, any old desk is worth a $100.00
Lovejoy
Re: writing desk
Thank you so much for replyng. I was wondering if you would no if the painted finish would be original from his era?
Re: writing desk
Both painted and stained finishes were used, the only way to tell is to examine an area where the paint is worn off and see if there is any evidence of stain and a clear finish underneath, or if you see any hint of brush strokes then the finish was applied later by a former owner.
Lovejoy
Re: writing desk
Though this table or desk looks a like a good antique furniture but you won't be doing yourself any good using such a desk. Its a great desk if your going to use it sometime during the weekend but if you are going to be working on one then you need ergonomic desk. They are modern desks that do not leave you cramped for space. You must be using something of that sort or precisely an ergonomic desk.
Keith
Re: writing desk
As I can see in that picture you have kept heavy furniture over the carpet that could leave deep impressions over the surface of the carpet and once you shift the furniture some where else the marks would be visible. Therefore its always a good idea not to place heavy furniture over a carpet or rugs.
Persian Rug Cleaning
Keith.