library table

[anise]

I got this oak library table from Craigslist for free, with the plan to sand it down and refinish it. However, as I got looking at the construction, I realized that this is a bit older than I originally thought and rather well constructed. I know it's not an antique (dovetails are machine-made), but just in case, I thought I'd check with people who know a lot more about this stuff than I do to make sure I'm not going to devalue this by refinishing.

I looked for a manufacturing label but didn't find one. The desk top and lower shelf are both stenciled with 544 (pattern number I'm guessing?) and the frame is branded with 51. I've included photos of these below.

I appreciate any help you can give!