Featured Flame Mahogany Secretary Information

I love this desk and I feel that the way it opens is pretty unique. I can't find anything quite like it. This came out of a flooded house remarkably unscathed. It does have two broken panes though. It appears to be fairly old because the glass is wavy. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

i luv hidden compartments...

 

Really beautiful.

 

Thanks, my son gave this to me a couple years ago. I can't find any makers marks but maybe I am not looking in the right place. Hardware and locking mechanisms are definitely old. Veneer is in excellent shape with only a couple of spots where varnish was damaged. I am trying to determine age, style, maker, etc.

 

@verybrad will probably be around soon. Others will know as well. They will probably need pictures of the hardware and lock, construction of the drawers maybe.

 

I'd guess mid 19th century, very attractive bookcase. Style wise it's got a little of everything which was common in this era. Queen Anne tombstone door panels, the feet look chippendale but pic is very dark & some curvy late Classical elements to the pediment & case edges. Cool on secret compartment.

 

Hi,
When I lived in brooklyn I had a wonderful 10 ft high mahogany secretary similar to yours. It came in three pieces tho top bonnet, the book case and the bottom desk. I found want I thought was the three hidden compartments. It was still mucher heavier than it looked. I took the desk part to work one day and had it X-rayed. I found the front leg pulled out and hidden behind it was a lot of papers, including a George Washington letter. A large coin silver ladle. Found three more hidden compartments, with letters and such. The best was a large silver ring with three green garnets. The best hidden spot was when you pulled out the middle drawer there was the slot which when it was pulled the entire drawer system slid out and there was a space 10" deep behind the drawer sections. I loved that secretary and hated to sell her when I moved in an apartment with only 8 ft ceilings. I for got to say that I covered the bookcase with four shelves with antique of off white watered silk.
greg

 

Agree with James. Would think about 1860 or so. Won't find a maker, nor will it matter. Nice piece.

 

Thanks one and all for the information. As I said I do love this piece and I am curious if it would be worth the time and energy to replace the glass with period correct panes? I could remove the doors and take/send them out for repair. Would it be worth the money or should I just use modern glass? If period glass is best do you have any recommendations? I live in the Dallas TX area.

 

modern glass.....

 

They do make old style glass for restore projects but you'll pay a premium for it. Would it be worth the money? No, antique brown furniture with a few exceptions is selling in many cases for less than the wood would cost to build it, it's just not in fashion at the moment.

 

Hi Greg, that sounds so wonderful. A beautiful piece of furniture and a labyrinth treasure hunt too. I can just imagine it, and the surprise with every secret drawer you found.

 

Agree with James. Unfortunately I as guilty of buying old brown furniture for the lumber value alone. Comes in handy for restoring pieces.

 

Yeah, does. Kinda sad it's not worth the lumber value of walnut, cherry, mahogany, etc but hey, enjoy it while it lasts! Nothing stays the same in the fashion world, just a question of time till it's fashionable again.

 

What a stunning Secretaire and how wonderful that you were given it as a gift. I just love the scholarly atmosphere this creates and it looks in good condition. I replaced the glass in a Victorian bookcase I had some years ago and it still looked fine. I did however use a lightly heavier glass that I felt seemed to maintain the overall antique integrity of the doors and the bookcase. Just a suggestion. Enjoy.