Victorian? English? Secretaire Bookcase - info requested!

I have recently purchased this secretaire bookcase. The (Facebook marketplace) seller, who had inherited it, thought it 'might' be made from walnut and 'might' be Victorian 'but I don't really know'. No doubt some of you will be more knowledgeable than the seller (or myself). I have included five images of the outside, interior secretaire desk, as well as the backboard in the upper bookcase section and the inside of one of the bottom cupboard doors. I am in Australia, however the lock mechanisms say 'English made' (no maker's marks), so I gather the bookcase is made in England and exported at some stage.

I wonder if someone could help me out with some info.

1. What is the likely period? Is it as the seller guessed Victorian? Edwardian perhaps? The Victorian era lasted for the majority of the 19th century so this is not very specific. I imagine there is a big difference in styles, construction, etc between 1840 and 1900.
   
   
2. What is the wood likely to be? Is it walnut as the seller thought it might be? I understand a look of these bookcases were also made of mahogany and oak. Interestingly, the inside of the lower cupboard doors is a much darker brown (see image) so perhaps the exterior wood has been faded by the sun.
   
   
3. How should I (someone who does not have access to specialist tools) best maintain it - in particular, in terms of keeping the wood finish nice? I generally like a darker wood appearance like rosewood so if it has faded I would quite like to restore the original richer/darker finish. Should I oil it (if so, Danish oil or some other kind?) or would it be better to use some kind of wax or polish? Does it require stripping?
   
   
4. Is this piece a nice example?
   

Thanks to anyone who can help shed some light for me - I am a novice when it comes to this kind of thing.

 

Welcome to Antiquers, @StormcrowMithrandir ! I won't be able to help you, but there are several members here with furniture expertise who will have some suggestions. I think it's very attractive.

 

Beautiful! I'd think English, walnut with pine secondary, Art Nouveau era to early Edwardian, 1890-1910. If you look on the very top, you may see dowel holes that would support a carved wood crest, which is now apparently missing.

The desk portion is beautifully made and nicely fitted. The contrasting wood may be satinwood or another rare hardwood. Take care of this-and the whole piece in general-once or twice a year by wiping on Howard's Feed and Wax, or another top restorative. Don't use Pledge or any other mass market product, as they will give the piece an artificially shiny appearance and darken it, again artificially, over time. You will be amazed at the difference Howard's will make.

The original finish was not darker. Don't mess with the finish, as it appears to be original and quite nice. If you discover dowel holes on top, then research similar pieces and have one custom made to match your piece. If you don't find dowel holes, then don't

Very nice piece!

 

Really, not much more to add to Ghopper's excellent analysis. Certainly has some art nouveau details. The light wood could be beech.

 

ps. and nice clear photo's ..too !!

 

Thank you very much for your excellent analysis. Where do you think the secondary pine component is? I will find the Howard's product. Thanks again!

 

I see pine on the bottom shelf in the last picture.

 

In between times, if you want to dust it, an old silk scarf. If it's one of ours, it may be slightly later, there were excellent repros done in the 20s and 30s. I like real beeswax used very very sparingly. Yes, once or twice a year. Silicon polishes like Pledge are the work of the devil.