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My mother inherited this bureau from her grandfather. As my mother was born in 1924, the bureau is at least from somewhere in the 1800s. It is assumed that it was made in England as that is where everyone had lived for the longest memory as farmers.
Intriguingly, one of the writing area drawers has a pencil inscription underneath "y=e=o Clemaston June 24th 1761" and big initials "JR".
My wife and I disagree on the construction material. I say oak, while my wife thinks mahogany. The handles and hinges are brass. The locks are all functional (although the keys have recently disappeared - will keep looking!).
The central box in the writing area doubles as a 'secret' compartment and can be pulled forward. At the rear are two wooden drawers that can conceal small documents.
Overall in very good shape (some panel gaps in the rear).
This item is in Australia at present (my parents moved it there from Europe 15 years ago). I need to know more about the furniture and also whether it is worth shipping it to the US where I live now. So getting an idea of its value would be great.
Any help would be appreciated.
Simon
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