Inherited desk/secretaire (England)

[Protzenalp]

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]

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]

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.

[mart]

I think its French too but still waiting for additional pics !! 

[frogpatch]

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.

[Protzenalp]

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]

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]

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.

[mart]

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]

Might want to search for  "bonheur du jour" or French ladies' writing desk.

[Melodie]

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

[Protzenalp]

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]

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.

[mart]

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 !!