Featured Memo from the Desk of Ghopper

Just got this at an auction on Memorial Day. It's quite large, maybe 40" U.S. wide by 60" tall. The auction was for an old St. Louis family, and this was the crown jewel. My guess is Rococo Revival on the cusp of Renaissance Revival ca. 1870. Don't know the maker, but would think the old U.S. Midwest, i.e. Ohio, Michigan, Illinois. It's walnut with curly maple highlights and pine secondary. Curly maple lines the drawer and cabinet interiors. Nice carving on the crest.

I would think to insure it for......$4K? Too high? Too low?

What think all of you? @verybrad ?

 

Not going to be much help with your question but it sure is a stunning piece!

 

Think you are spot-on with your description and valuation. Maybe a tad high but where are you going to get another one?

 

Absolutely beautiful. Glad you became it's owner.

 

What a handsome piece of furniture. Well done!

 

OMG!! AND ANOTHER FINE/GORGEOUS piece to your wonderful collection!!!! Congratulations!!! That carving is BEAUTIFUL too! Personally, I'd insure it for that.....where are you going to fine another like it in that condition!!!

 

It is positively stunning.

 

Not a clue on value but in New Orleans or Cape May in NJ it would probably do well. Congrats on your new piece, shades of Herter with that figured maple interior, that contrasting wood species help value in my view.

 

Agree on Herter. Wooten as well.

 

It is stunning, Ghopper! It was clearly waiting for you, you're the perfect owner for it.

 

Good eye , pal !!!
Enjoy your new prize !!!!

 

It is lovely -- And now you can write real memos there!

 

Wonders if that writing surface is original, the color seems odd, is it leather? Would expect a green Baize-type surface.

 

It almost has to be a replacement - probably needed doing to keep the desk functional. Around here you'd never get close to that for it, but as Aquitaine said go find another one.

 

Yeah, what I was thinking, a replaced writing surface is kind of a must & it doesn't devalue the piece.
On the next one, I vote for 100% Merino Wool Baize in dark green!
It's traditional and been around for centuries & looks great next to wood.

If it ain't Baize, it ain't happening!

 

Yeah, the original writing surface is gone. Don't know what it was; the auctioneer had no clue.

 

Betting Baize originally plus gives you a chance to install a new surface.
Traditionally baize was installed with "flour paste" but i hear modern cellulose wallpaper paste work just as well.

 

Cool. Sounds like a plan, thanks James!

 

That looks like the John Quincy Adams desk, the one from the House, or at least the same era.