Antique slant top writing desk identification help

Can anyone here help me in identifying this desk? I was purchasing a Lexington bedroom set and saw this in the persons house and a few other pieces of furniture and he said he would sell it all, so I came home with it. It is a beautiful piece and I just could not pass it up. The seller seemed to think it was from 1896 but knew nothing else about it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

Pretty little thing ! I think the seller was right on age.

 

Thank you for that. Is there any way to determine the manufacture and origin of the piece? I do not have much invested in it but would like to know as much as I can about it. Thanks again.

 

Could be as early as 1896 but I would have thought slightly later, up into the teens. Mahogany and a bit of a mish-mash style-wise. Nicely refinished. Really hard to find a maker without a label or a known example to compare against. During this time period, Grand Rapids, MI was the furniture capitol of the US and likely from there. However, there were hundreds of regional makers as well.

 

Read the helpful advice on taking pics at the top of the furniture section. Then post a pic of the side and inside of the drawer pulled out, and the back. Necessary to pin down when built.

 

Sorry for so long to reply, we have been at Disney and I could not get more photos until now.

 

Here are a few more pictures, the only markings that I see are on the hinge that read pat. feb 25 96

 

Are U a NEW MEMBER, just found this site,LOOK HERE 1st ....

 

I have been a member for a little while here, mostly just reading. I thought that I had posted the photos the way they were needed for identification. Was I wrong?

 

Not wrong but... When uploading photographs, you'll want to click on Full Image rather than Thumbnail so they're easier for everyone to see. Like this. And not to worry because all new members do the same thing in their first post.

Debora

 

my link was meant to be a helpful aid , I'm sorry you don't see it that way.........

 

Your pics were fine, good of you to take the time. Clicking on pics can be harder on phone, thus the suggestion.

Your pics show why PO thought made 1896, the date on the hinge. This is, though, the earliest possible date could have been made, not the date made. Since patent protection about 20 yrs, usually patent date on hardware not used after those 20 years, but there are exceptions.

In this case, the machine cut dovetails, plywood drawer bottom, and style of piece suggest made later, and into the early 20 th century, as brad suggested. Without more marks will be hard to figure out a maker. Calling it pre or ww1 era is reasonable.

 

I am now thinking even a bit later with that plywood back. I think circa 1920 would cover it.

 

No worries, I did find it helpful. I like to do things the correct way and appreciate your time in helping me learn.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I am into it for $200. I am okay if I over paid, I really like it and it will fit my space nicely.

 

maybe a little on the high side......
but
where ya gonna find another standing in front of you....
you like it and will use it for years to come...
one way or another , it's an antique....
it looks in great condition....

so.....win win !!

 

over time , I'm sure you could find a nice period plate for the lock , as well !!!!

 

A graceful little thing. Sure to be an attractive addition to any room.

Debora