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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: Protzenalp on January 03, 2015, 07:45:58 AM
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Dear all
I inherited this desk/secretaire from my Grandmother who lived in the UK. I know it belonged to my Grandfather who passed away in 1971.
Unfortunately it is not in great shape, but I would still be interested to know where it came from.
I imagine that it was made in the UK as the desk lock is from "Hobbs & Co" in London.
Anyone have any ideas when it might have been made and by who? I have looked for marks but have found none.
Thanks in advance for any clues.
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Can you open the top drawer and take a pic of the dovetail joints on the side and take one of the back please ?? Appears to be a newer desk rather than an antique but will wait for the additional pics !!
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First impressions...Frenc h but then could be English.
The Hobbs brothers brought in and resold so many antiques from different countries to England. They were very, very successful furniture entrepreneurs.
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I think its French too but still waiting for additional pics !!
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There sure is a lot of natural user wear to the leather and the lock looks old to me. I really like it, whoever made it. I am not good with European furniture.
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Thanks all for your input.
Really sorry that it took so long to get back to you all. I have been away on business and had other issues that have kept me on my toes.
Here is a photo of the back. Not quite sure what the "dovetail joints" are...but I have taken a photo of the back of the drawer. If that is not what is meant, please feel free to enlighten me! :)
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The dovetails we need to see are on the front of the drawers !! They are the joints that connect the drawer face to the sides !!
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It looks French ca. 1870-80. I've seen those enclosures with glass fronts and metal galleries on bookcases from the time period as well. Very handsome, with some excellent cabinet work.
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Just curious but are you and this desk in a rather humid area ?? I agree with Frogpatch and Ghopper !! (didn`t wait for that last pic to load ) One thing that was odd to me was the lack of age showing on the drawer side which leads back to my question !! You don`t see as much shrinkage, or aging of the wood if the humidity is a bit on the high side and fairly consistant !! At first I thought a good quality repro !! Not a new one but one of the older reproductions about 1920 or so !!
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Might want to search for "bonheur du jour" or French ladies' writing desk.
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Im on a tablet so I can't get a decent look at the photos. The dovetails would help. Where the drawer front is connected to the sides of the drawers.
This is a similar looking piece. Fully restored and pristine.
https://www.regentantiques.com/itemDetails/06003-Antique-Victorian-Walnut-Inlaid-Bonheur-Du-Jour-c.1860
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Thanks Melodie. That one looks virtually identical to the one that I have.
I have posted a photo of the dovetails.
The one that I have is not in such great condition. Can anyone tell me who could restore something like this and how much it would be likely to cost?
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Those dovetails are similar to the ones I would expect to see on the piece I linked to.
I'm sorry I can't help you with restoration costs etc as I'm in the UK.
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Oh yes !! Very nice !! Mid 1800`s and with that pic the age on the drawer sides looks correct !! Must have been the lighting in the other pic made the wood look newer !!