Author Topic: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)  (Read 3437 times)

Protzenalp

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Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« on: January 03, 2015, 07:45:58 am »
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.

mart

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2015, 10:02:55 am »
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 !!

KC

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2015, 04:17:34 pm »
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.
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

mart

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2015, 05:31:20 pm »
I think its French too but still waiting for additional pics !! 

frogpatch

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #4 on: January 06, 2015, 06:56:20 pm »
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.
« Last Edit: February 02, 2015, 04:25:42 pm by frogpatch »

Protzenalp

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2015, 04:03:38 pm »
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!  :)

mart

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2015, 04:52:39 pm »
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 !!

ghopper1924

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #7 on: February 04, 2015, 03:31:36 pm »
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.
"I collect antiques because they're beautiful."

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mart

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #8 on: February 04, 2015, 04:26:48 pm »
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 !!

KC

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #9 on: February 04, 2015, 09:22:54 pm »
Might want to search for  "bonheur du jour" or French ladies' writing desk.
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

Melodie

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #10 on: February 06, 2015, 03:45:43 am »
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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Protzenalp

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #11 on: February 07, 2015, 07:13:55 am »
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?

Melodie

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #12 on: February 07, 2015, 08:45:17 am »
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.
It's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice.

mart

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Re: Inherited desk/secretaire (England)
« Reply #13 on: February 07, 2015, 10:36:18 am »
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 !!