Looking to ID an antique desk

Hello, I'm brand new here and know nothing about antique furniture. I spotted the old desk in a thrift store and it just called to me. It's solid hardwood everywhere, but has no identifying marks anywhere that I could find. I'm thinking I'm going to buy it, but I know nothing about antique furniture. They want $60 for it, if it's worth more I'd flip it, if not I think a nice cherry red finish would look great on it. Can anyone give me an age on this, and would it be better left as is or refinished? Is it a good piece, or junk? Thanks in advance!!!!

 

Here are some pics. Thanks again!

 

And a few more. I tried to get the corners and edges and hardware. Thanks again!

 

Hola, and welcome to the Forums.
The furniture brainiacs will be along soon, hopefully!

 

interior similarities......and they say pegs.....may mean dowels... ??

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/161404870/reserved-store-counter-cash-register

 

Welcome!
Please always enlarge your photos.
Thank you.

 

Looks like an old paymaster's desk.
Early 1900s, but that is just a guess.

The dark brown that is on the inside, is probably the original paint. The whole thing was probably that color. Looks like it may have been painted green. Someone has stripped the outside.

$60 seems like a reasonable price. Depends where you are if you can get more. My area, probably could get $125-145 if fixed up a little bit.

Wait for Brad to chime in.

 

I usually think of a paymaster's desk as being larger but the configuration is similar. I think probably 19th century. Not sure you would see those pegged joints in a similar piece in the 20th century. Clutteredcloset's valuation is pretty much spot-on for us here in the Midwest.

 

Welcome to the club

 

Thanks for the welcome. and for the awesome information. I'm thinking it's not anything great, but I think I'm going to buy it to refinish. It'll look great cleaned up with a nice cherry finish. Thanks again!!