Antique desks can be a good investment if you are looking for the look which complements the decor of your house. Apart from adding a touch of the traditional to your home décor, the antique desks also compliment the overall look of your house. In the olden days they were used for functions such as storing papers, pens, books and a lot more, but nowadays, as mentioned earlier, they are used as decorative pieces. You should be aware that objects which are more than 100 years old are considered antique., so in other words these antique desks have been made before the computers and telephones at the time when a desk was considered important for ledger-keeping and correspondence. Due to the craftsmanship which was by hand and the range of different duties the development of desks was functional and decorative.
Recognition of Antique Desks:
There are instances when you do not understand the actual value and the dates of antique furniture, and you can also be deceived by wrong historical facts. You need to inspect not just the material, but also the cut, the design, the wood used and the polish of the desk to understand whether it is original or not. The mark of the maker is one indication which can help you know the value. You find that many antiques which have survived till now will have some indication of wear and tear, but keep in mind that any antique which has gone through any alterations is not considered as an ‘antique piece’.
The Craftsmanship taken into focus:
In the past years, wood was available in abundance and you could easily find veneers which were cut thickly due to which you found figuring which was more attractive with the linings of the drawers made in cedar, oak and mahogany. As the work of the cabinet was hand-crafted you found the joints would be fine, small and dove-tailed. If you find the manufacturer’s stamp on the original locks of the drawer, then you can be assured of its quality. As Walnut and Mahogany can be carved easily you find many desks which are antique featuring complex and delicate carvings over an area which might be small or large. But there are certain considerations which you need to make in order to preserve the quality of wood.
Consider the proportions:
You will find that desks which are considered as ‘antiques’ have a writing surface which is on the larger side and have storage areas like book cases. You are advised to look into this and determine if they were cobbled together at a later period or if the original designing was such. There are times when pieces which are decorative are added at a later date. This can be determined by the polishing and the wood.
Look into the Patina:
The wax polish which is accumulated and the effects of the environment on the desk like sunlight and dirt is termed as the ‘patina’. You will find a glow which is subtle in antiques which are well kept. You can expect the patina to be different in the different areas of the antique desk. In case you find a finish which is uniform in nature you can be sure that this has been restored. Signs of usage, which are evident, like scratches, worn spots or probably even ink-stains are one way to make sure that the antique desk you are opting for is original.
Buying the Antique Desks:
You have a wide range of antique desks available these days, you need to make sure what you are looking for and for what purpose, and also which style and what type of decoration you require. You can look for these on the online stores or shops which are known for their antique furniture. There can also be local furniture dealers and suppliers who sell unique pieces of antique desks.