Drop-front desk was made around 1890

Published Sunday, April 01, 2007

Actually, they were utilitarian pieces that mostly were used in offices. Early ones were made by cabinetmakers, but many were factory-made. They were used around the country and should not be considered a Southern form.

This desk appears to made of pine or poplar that has been heavily refinished. It may have been made by a cabinetmaker or manufactured. These are truly useful pieces that fit into country dcors. It would retail for about $895.

Q: I inherited my dresser. It was painted white and I had it refinished. It has a mirror and a small piece of marble on top. The drawers (are dovetailed with wooden pegs). I would like to know its age and value. -- C.K., Tampa

A: Your Victorian walnut dresser was manufactured in the late 1870s or early 1880s. It probably was once part of a bedroom suite that included a bed, dresser and washstand. The machined dovetails are typical of the period.

The style is best described as late Victorian Renaissance-Revival. It evolved during the 1870s, but was popular through the early 1880s. Simple pieces like this dresser often were grained to simulate expensive rosewood.

It could have been made almost anywhere in the country. It would retail for around $295.
