Antique desk, Matthews bros.

Late Victorian and Edwardian furniture like this tends to be an odd mix of styles, often mistaken for late Georgian/Regency. While values for Victorian furniture has fallen a great deal since the 1990's, small desks have held their value quite well. We'd retail a desk like this one in the $600.00-$800.00 range.

You made a pretty good buy for $400.00, it's a nice piece.

Hello, I love your desk! I currently have 12 signed pieces from Matthews Bros. and am always looking for more. I believe I probably have the largest collection of their signed furniture anywhere in the country. I have done a lot of research on this company. Anything with the 409 Water address was made between late 1879 and Jan. 1891. In short, they had exceptional quality and designs.It has it's original finish which is great. Should have rounded joinery on drawers, called Knapp joints. If you ever would like to sell please let me know. Even with the condition issues (missing brass that needs recast and scratches) I would love to have this desk in my collection. If you have any questions my email is [email protected]. Thank you so much.   Ray, Milwaukee.

Hi Mac, just wanted to let you know that refinishing the desk may not be the best option for keeping its value. Most serious collectors appreciate an original finish. Sometimes going over it with a good wood oil will make it look a lot nicer and will hide many of the lighter scratches. The deeper nicks and scratches can be touched up with stain. The nice thing about your desk, like you said, is that the mirror is mint and has most of its original hardware. The old finish is important and really cannot be duplicated exactly. It most likely had castors which appear to be missing, but those are easy to find. The key for the lock on the slanted door was also meant to act as a knob to pull open. Hope this info is helpful to you, and I look forward to possibly discussing a sale someday. Take care, Ray

Howard's "Restore a Finish" does wonders on an old finish and covers nicks and scratches. It won't hurt the old finish and can be applied with either a rag or some 0000 steel wool and buffed dry.