Posted 12 years ago
gforce1108
(12 items)
I found this antique desk listed within a link from a craigslist ad. The seller was planning a big sale at his house on the day I was heading out on vacation. He didn't want to miss a sale and was willing to sell it before the sale date. He didn't know much about it - he had picked it up for $100 and spent another $350 or so having it refinished. He was asking $150 and I was able to get it for $135. I found writing on the bottom of 3 of the drawers with a name and address Pierre DoRiot 260 south 11th st. A google search came up with someone else's search about an antiques repair shop that was in Philadelphia at that address in the early to mid 1800s. If this was an antique back then, I'm guessing mid-late 1700s?
I have additional pictures here: http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm9/gforce1108/drop%20front%20desk/
I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on this piece - I love the column front legs.
Been doing a ton of research.... appears to be an American Empire style desk from the early 1800s. I would lover to get the original style of drawer pulls back on it. Haven't pulled one of the replacements to see if it could be done without refinishing. I do know that they drilled one new single hole and left the two original holes in place.
Yeah... the previous owner picked it up and had some repairs done. The work was done well, but definitely not period correct.
Your research was on target-- I would call it Empire and date it to the 2nd quarter, 19th century.
The slant top is unusual for this era-- the bookcase top is much more typical.
scott
this is a marriage of two different pieces w/ two different styles, isn't it?
So far I've only found one similar http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/10669409_american-empire-drop-front-desk-with-nice-paw-feet
Whatever it is - we love it :)
my mistake - congratulations - nice piece!