Re: Antique Secretary Desk
I have not seen that particular form before, but Secretary Desks did come in all shapes and sizes. Those are classic hand-cut dovetails and the glass appears to be hand-blown, not factory made. Appears to be English rather than American. My guess is mid-1800's, but I am not an expert.
Re: Antique Secretary Desk
Thanks for the information! The glass is indeed wavy.
Re: Antique Secretary Desk
ewindes,
How interesting! I'm going with Duane's age guess. It's definitely old and hand made. Does it still feel solid? What a wonderful family piece.
TXCajun
Re: Antique Secretary Desk
It's very solid. There are quite a few nicks and bangs, especially around the bottom. I wonder if the dark finish is original, since the inside of the doors is so much lighter, and because there seems to be some drips around the edges.
Re: Antique Secretary Desk
ewindes,
Going by photos makes it impossible (for me) to determine anything about the finish. I can tell you that I have seen many, many antique pieces having contrasting interior and exterior colors/finishes. I don't know that it necessarily means anything was refinished, but it certainly could. So, I guess, basically, I'm of no help at all. On the upside: You have a beautiful and meaningful antique!
TXCajun
Re: Antique Secretary Desk
Outsides are always different colors from the insides, due to sun and environmental exposures over a few hundred years, and the outside was probably routinely waxed. That's one way to tell a genuine antique, you expect to see that color variance.
Re: Antique Secretary Desk
Hi..i am associated with Carpenter business & It might be a 85 years old i think (1930's)