Love it, but I don't have a clue about it!

I bought this item 45 - 50 years ago as a student. It needs a lot of work, but it's still pretty. My partner tells me I should throw it away. It has no identifying manufacturer's mark or label. The only thing stamped on the piece is on the bottom of the lower shelf--two black numbers (44). I'm trying to identify what it is (desk, table, secretary), the possible style, era of manufacture or approximate age, and, if lucky, the manufacturer. The top is oval, or kidney, shaped, with a brass (?) rail around the back. The shelf at the bottom is also oval with a carved front edge and wooden spindles around the sides and back. The front drawer has dove-tail joints. At the top of both legs, there are circular carvings in the wood. I completed an image search but came up empty. The only item that came close was an extravagant English piece, and I know this isn't that. Any ideas would be most appreciated. Thank you!