Featured Help in identification of secretary hutch

I bought this piece and wasn't given any information on it. I was wondering the age, type of wood, and anything else someone might know about it. Also, what would be the best way to clean it? Thanks!

 

The figure of that mahogany veneer is amazing, for one thing. I am inclined to think an early Victorian piece, because of the backboards, knobs, and applied carving, but the structure on which the bookcase sits is odd, and there isn't nearly enough drawer runner wear... I don't know. Wait and see what ghopper and verybrad say.

 

Beautiful 1850-60 rococo revival piece phasing out of neo-classicism. Yes, the figured mahogany is amazing. I don’t know why some of the lesser-exposed elements should be so new looking; perhaps they were repaired or replaced, or perhaps they’ve been in a stable environment and not used much.

In any case I love this tasteful piece and wish it were mine!!!!

 

OH I LOVE LOVE LOVE this piece! I wish!

Cheerio, Leslie

 

If referring to the back of the drawer (5th pic down from top) being so fresh & new looking, that is not unusual for little-used drawers. They are not exposed to the Sun so often little oxidation occurs. I have pieces 100+ years older that have a similar look, just as fresh & clean as the day they were built.
Or perhaps repaired as Ghopper noted.

 

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I appreciate it! Any recommendations on how to clean/polish it?

 

Howard’s feed n wax. Excellent stuff.