Trash day Butlers Desk

I was out walking a pooch pal just before dark. A house that’s had some interesting “trash” out over the summer had this laying on its side by their bins. Seeing it like that I thought it was probably just a beat up late 19th chest of drawers. I was going to go home grab some tools and take the brasses off before dark. Upon walking back past after the dog was fulfilled I took a slightly closer look. The brasses weren’t going to be as easy to remove as I hoped and dark was coming on fast. I decided to hump the large drawers home so I could do the work of removing the brasses there in the light. I grabbed two and struggled to keep an eye on the dog under the giant drawers in hand. I noticed one had compartments for silver or some other item that would require felt lined compartments in it. Hmm, I figured it must be a small sideboard rather than a set of bedroom drawers. On going back to grab the final two drawers I saw that the top drawer had a drop down front revealing a writing desk, mail compartments, and interior small drawers! I had never seen a piece like this before. It was going to be a shame to strip the brasses and dispose of the drawers but so be it! I got all the drawers back and did some googling. Turns out most of these drop front butlers or secretary desks are early 19th century and some quite valuable. Much to my chagrin my stupid brain told that it wouldn’t allow me to strip the brasses and let the rest end up in the garbage truck. A late 19th piece maybe but a possibly early 19th piece in useable condition my stubborn brain couldn’t approve. I set to work clearing a spot in the basement for the whole thing. I went back and rolled the frame back on a dolly and managed to get it in the basement on my own. The thing is in really rough condition but I just couldn’t let it get crushed in the morning. I guess I’ll try to sell it as is to a restorer or someone who doesn’t mind em rough. I suppose I could use it for storage but I really don’t have the room to keep it around permanently. I feel good about giving it a shot at another life though. It seems quite simple and basic compared to many. I suppose sometimes that’s a good thing but in this case I’m guessing it’s more likely a bad thing in terms of value. Furniture is probably the place I have the least knowledge. I don’t have the room to store much of it so I haven’t educated myself much on the ins and outs. Hoping y’all can help me date this and possibly ascribe a place of manufacture. Starting with which side of the ocean and maybe narrowing it down from there. It looks more middle or later middle 19th than early 19th to me but hopefully I’m wrong there. Photos are crappy in a dark basement. I’d have taken more if the lighting was better but figured these were a jumping off point for tonight. The brasses look to have been replaced at some point.

How bout that wallpaper in photo one!