| Adding an antique desk to your home is like adding | | | | (1725-1755) is reproduction. Genuine period desks are |
| bit of history and an investment in the past and the | | | | housed in museums because of their rarity. An original |
| future. However, choosing the perfect desk can be | | | | could easily set you back six figures. |
| dizzying and confusing if you know something about | | | | If you are looking for a desk with an Oriental flair, |
| different New World styles. | | | | consider the Chippendale era (1755-1790). These |
| Here is some fast-track information to get on you on | | | | unique designs feature Chinese figures, claw feet and |
| the path to understanding and appreciating these | | | | Gothic arches. The furniture is most often mahogany |
| mementos: The ages of American antiques are Oak | | | | from southern states, which guarantees solid |
| Age (1540-1660, Walnut Age (1660-1730), Mahogany | | | | construction and is not vulnerable to wood pests. |
| Age (1730-1840) and Victorian Age (1830-1901). | | | | You could introduce your antique reproduction desk |
| You need to know this because there are dishonest | | | | into a room as a computer desk or even to add to |
| dealers who might convince you a Victorian desk you | | | | the decor. Mixing the old and the new has been the |
| have admired is an original and you can have it for | | | | norm in interior decorating for many years. |
| $2,000. Remember this: buyers beware. | | | | Sotheby's, a high end auction house that specializes in |
| The piece of America furniture that holds the title of | | | | rare art and furniture, has catalogues of antique |
| being the oldest in existence is a piece made by a | | | | desks. For the uninitiated, this could be a flight to |
| joiner in Connecticut in or around 1650. A joiner is | | | | disaster. Check out some books about buying |
| someone who cuts joints without using nails. Heavy | | | | antiques and learn a few tips before you start a |
| appearance and wood pegs characterizes this Pilgrim | | | | negotiation with a local dealer. An authentic desk will |
| era style of furnishings. These authentic 17th century | | | | be a treasure for you and your descendants but that |
| American desks are hard to find and buyers should | | | | possession comes with a hefty price tag. If you are |
| be aware when told that the piece is imported from | | | | not hung up on titles, you can get a reproduction and |
| Europe and newer than the 1600s. If the desk is | | | | enjoy it just as much. |
| newer, it is probably restored. | | | | Here's something else to consider: Officially, an |
| The William and Mary period (1700-1730) relied heavily | | | | "antique" is between 50 and 100 years old with |
| on pine, walnut and maple for its desks and other | | | | attributes that make it rare or unique. Most desks of |
| furniture. High relief wood and dovetail joints were | | | | today were fashioned after the Kneehold desk that |
| widely used. Moldings are ornate and the use of | | | | was produced in the 1700's in England. Two banks of |
| lacquer veneer was popular. | | | | drawers under a flat writing surface featuring plenty |
| Remember the antiques dealer that offered to sell | | | | of room underneath for the lets of the individual that |
| you an original American Queen Anne desk? Well, | | | | was at the desk. |
| don't be tempted. Most furniture of this period | | | | |