V R Patent marking on lock: Please help

Hi Everyone,

I'm trying find out more about the desk I just bought. I found marking 'V R Patent' on one of the locks with a crown. Can anyone offer any advice/ info please?

Cheers
Chris

 

You're from the UK, Chris? I'd say "Victoria Regina." Since I'm from the US, that's just a semi-educated guess from other old UK markings I've seen illustrated here. And I don't know how long after a monarch has died their initials continue to be used on something like this, but if the lock appears to be original, that might make this piece an oldie.

 

Thank you, yes that's what I've been reading online! But I paid peanuts for this desk, can't believe it could be so old! That's the only marking in the whole piece I can find! I'm a total novice by the way, first piece I've bought with the view to restoring it! Pot luck!

 

Stay tuned for the furniture gurus to see this thread. They may want other photos, particularly of construction details.

 

No reason to believe this is anything but a 19th century Victorian desk. I think circa 1875. Can't see the details well enough but may be late renaissance revival and walnut. Glass pulls may not be original.

 

Amazing! I've removed the glass pulls and given it a good wipe down tonight! Defo needs some tlc and I'm defo out my depth repairing some of the bits but exciting it's so old! Who knew eh? I'll pop into a shop and try get some advice!

 

The crown and VR are the markings for the lock and have nothing to do with the maker of the desk.

Just curious, are English items marked "Patent"?

Me personally, I thing the glass knobs are original.

 

Thanks. At least through it gives me a starting point for putting rough date on it. I'm in Scotland btw no idea about Patent markings, English or otherwise I'm afraid! Glass knobs may well be original, bloody ugly though! Advice much appreciated!

 

New pic makes me think the knobs are original. Still hard to tell the wood from this pic but I see nothing to rule out walnut at this point. The other possibility would be mahogany.

 

So I took my pics to specialist antiques dealer in glasgow today who confirmed it is in fact original. Circa 1880-1890 office writing desk with VR patented locks. He said it was a lovely piece. A bit battered but a great find for 50 quid! Gave me kids of advice and was delighted I dint just start hacking away at it.