Early 19th century secretaire

[Pepperedpig]

Hi everyone.
My first post but I've been reading for a little while.
I'm looking for some advise on the value of a couple of pieces of
Early 19th century furniture that I have.

One is a mahogany bookcase secretaire still with
It's original finish, which may I add is quite worn in places.
There have been a few little repairs over the years but
All in all its in good condition and all latches and locks function as they should

This second item is from c1820 and is a mahogany chest on chest
In fairly good condition with original finish and some historical woodworm. It has recently been
Waxed but shows age related splits and knocks here and there.

My question is what would the approx value be of these be, if any,
And how can I make them look their best. should I strip and refinish them or leave them
And wax them to keep the patina.

I have attached a picture if this helps
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Steve.

[Jlsherf]

Need a picture of the chest on chest as well.  Also someone will surely ask for pictures of the inside of the drawers where they are put together/dovetails.

[mart]

First of all,, never touch the finish on a piece of that age !! A light wax is fine but never remove the original patina !! If you do all you have left is a piece of used furniture !!  Better pics will help and if possible flip them upright !! Need good pics of both items and as was said the dovetail joints are important to determining age as well as the hardware,,pic of the back ect !! You call it a secretaire bookcase but I see no writing surface !! Show all please !! The details will help !!

[Pepperedpig]

Thanks for your replies.
I'll get more pictures up today

[mart]

Great !!  Will look for pics later today !! What I can see looks very nice !!

[Pepperedpig]

Here are some pictures of the chest on chest

[Pepperedpig]

dovetail

[Pepperedpig]

draw

[Pepperedpig]

bookcase
sorry for all the post but cant resize the pictures 

[Pepperedpig]

little brass draw front release button

[Pepperedpig]

carved front. i can see the outline of the original handles so obviously the glass handles
aren't original but look aged.

[Pepperedpig]

carved cornice/moulding

if anymore pictures are needed please let me know
thanks

[Jlsherf]

I love your Secretariat and can't wait to hear what is said about it! 

[KC]

Can you please post a picture of the back of both pieces?

Isn't this chest on chest known as a Tall Boy?  Isn't the hardware Sheraton style?

[mart]

Yes KC the chest on chest is Federal style which includes Sheraton !! I am curious if the little round areas I saw on the dovetail pic are pegs ??  The Bookcase looks like what is commonly called a Butlers desk !! I can`t see much on the pics since they are not loading for me and are too large so all I see is a blur when enlarged !! Does the bookcase have a drop down drawer front with cubbies ??