What to do with wicker writing desk

This is another inherited piece. I have found this exact style, in excellent condition, at some very good prices. This one is not within smelling distance of excellent. The first question is, do I make an attempt at fixing the top? I don't know if you can get those boards out of there without damaging the wicker. Secondly, is there anything that can be done to remove the copious layers of paint without damaging the wicker? Thirdly, even if it can be done, "should" it be done? One more if you don't mind, the leg that is untwisting, leave it, or try to fix it? I know so little about wicker that it scares me, but I'm sure I can find some sites that would give me some tips on "how" to do it.

Also, if you have any idea of the approximate age, I would be eager to have a better idea.

Thank you all!

 

Hi Wayne,
To start with, it is not true wicker. You have paper which has wound around a thin wire. It is then used as you see it. If you try and strip it, it will just turn into a real mess. Strip the boards on top or sand them down. Reglue the unwound piece to the leg. Then give it another coat of paint. Or leave it and call it a type of shabby chic. That is if you plan on keeping it. Or you could yank the thin plywood layers out and fit more into the slots.
good luck,
greg

 

Would think circa 1920. I would not attempt to strip this. It would not be worth the effort. Repair and repaint would be the way to go. Top is plywood that is delaminating. I would see about taking that top layer of veneer off and see what you have under there. If the second layer is relatively smooth, You might be able to glue back the edges of the rest of the laminations to stabilize the top. If not, you might need to try and remove as many layers til you get down to a stable surface. You could, then, lay a new sheet of 1/4" plywood over this. To try and remove the entire top may not be possible without deconstructing the entire piece.

 

Wow, so glad I'm on this forum! The information available from knowledgeable members is awesome. Thank you both!

 

It looks like someone put plants on the poor thing.

 

You may be right. They had some nasty contact paper over it. The top layers came off easier than I thought they might. Now I hope I can give this little gal some new life.

 

I agree with Brad about taking layers off the table top, down to a stable area.
Then I would get a piece of thin masonite/plywood and paint or collage it. Then cover with plexiglass or glass.

 

I'd suggest the plexi if it's going to be used for display or whatever. It's easier to cut in around the wicker, and weighs a lot less. It also won't break if you drop a planter on it.