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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: corrigan on October 12, 2009, 06:16:45 AM

Title: Price my writing desk, please!
Post by: corrigan on October 12, 2009, 06:16:45 AM: Hello everybody,

My brother and i inheritted this writing desk from our father and we are trying to sell it but don't know how much our asking price should be... We know nothing of it, only that it is a Louise the something-th?? Please may someone who is an antiques specialist identify it and price it for us?

Thank you!
Title: Re: Price my writing desk, please!
Post by: railman44 on October 12, 2009, 07:32:24 AM: Furniture is not my strong suit but that desk (from the front) is beautiful. I would like to see additional pictures of the sides, back and drawer constrution (dovetail or not). The wood looks fantastic and appears to be select hardwood. Possibily cherry or walnut. If it were mine, I'd think long and hard before I sold it if it's the genuine article. If it's original with no repairs or refinishing, I'd think it would be worth thousands of dollars. It will be interesting what the real critics say.
Title: Re: Price my writing desk, please!
Post by: cogar on October 12, 2009, 08:53:22 AM: OOH OOH, marble top and I think “burl” walnut.

Yup, I guessed right, looks like the one pictured here:.

George II Burl Walnut Secretary $6,900 SOLD http://www.fairfieldauction.com/links/highlights%20acc.htm (http://www.fairfieldauction.com/links/highlights%20acc.htm)
Title: Re: Price my writing desk, please!
Post by: wendy177 on October 12, 2009, 09:59:34 AM: What a beautiful piece!! I believe you have a Louis Philippe- style walnut secretaire with fossil marble top above fall-front opening to a desk interior. Do the cabinet doors enclose a single drawer?? There is some damage to the front base and I would guess the bun feet are not original as most Louis Philippe secretaire I have seen do not have them. I agree with railman would need more photos but if it is the genuine article late 19thC $5,000.00 and up. To sell I would contact a larger auction house (Sotheby's - Christie's) and sell through them. Good luck
Title: Re: Price my writing desk, please!
Post by: KC on October 12, 2009, 10:02:37 AM: Beautiful piece...would also like to see a few more pics. Don't think it is as big as the one you pointed out Cogar - but then my eyes are getting older! :)
Title: Re: Price my writing desk, please!
Post by: D&b antiques on October 12, 2009, 04:06:25 PM: louis the 13th. appears to be cuban Mahogany, $5,000.00 to $ 8,000.00 Dollars.
Title: Re: Price my writing desk, please!
Post by: talesofthesevenseas on October 12, 2009, 04:07:21 PM: I agree with Railman, really REALLY be sure before you part with something so rare and beautiful that was obviously treasured by your father. Money will come and money will go, but there is only one desk in the world that came from your dad. Once gone, it can never truly be replaced.
Title: Re: Price my writing desk, please!
Post by: corrigan on October 13, 2009, 07:28:55 AM: Its 150cm tall and 152cm tall including the granite top.
The body 97cm long and the granite top is 107cm long.
The width is 42cm and the granite is 50cm wide.

So it would be safe to sell it for $5000 - $8000?
Title: Re: Price my writing desk, please!
Post by: railman44 on October 13, 2009, 09:38:56 AM: It's your property. You can price it as high as you like. If you live in the USA, you might want to touch bases with high-end auction houses like Southby's (see what they say and keep quiet regarding what you think it's worth). If they like what they see, they can put pictures in their color catalog. They also garner the high-end bidders. Just a thought.
Title: Re: Price my writing desk, please!
Post by: KC on October 13, 2009, 10:34:14 AM: If you don't "DESPERATELY" need the money...KEEP IT! It will only go up in value if you take care of it! What a family treasureas well!