Antique Desk & Vintage Desk FAQs

How do I identify the age and style of an antique desk?

Closely examine the way the antique desk was constructed, especially its joinery. A desk created prior to 1860 in the United Kingdom, the year machines were first used to craft furniture, had hand cut dovetails that were fewer compared to the modern ones and were slightly uneven. If you find imperfections on some of the parts of a writing desk or a pedestal desk, for example, and when a desk had oil, wax, milk paint and shellac, and wooden pegs, dowels and even square nails were used, then the desk is indeed an antique piece. It's also essential to get familiarised with the popular time periods of antique furniture styles, which include Queen Anne, Baroque, Rocco, Georgian, Edwardian, William and Mary, Victorian, and Chippendale, and the materials popular at that time, like oak, mahogany, leather, and even brass. These antiques often have a reasonably high price, which a lot of first time buyers are puzzled at. The high quality types of wood like mahogany and oak, used in them results in durability that can last for centuries, if maintained properly. The material alone could contribute to the high price these pieces are usually associated with if created in the modern times.

How can I date my antique desk?

Take note of the style of the antique desk, but don't base your judgment solely on it. Identifying certain features that were popular for antique desks in a certain period, such as the bracket feet, wouldn’t be enough to tell you how old the antique desk is, as styles can be reproduced over time. Determining the style of a kneehole desk, a pedestal desk, a regency writing table, or any other antique desk, would just be among the many things that help you determine the date they were constructed. You need to check the back, inside, and the bottom for signs that the desk was hand cut. Some antique desks have elements like chair spindles having slight differences, which would mean that these were likely created before 1860. Another way of knowing if it’s an antique desk is if there are nicks and elbow grease. There were also certain types of timber that were popular during different periods. For example, an oak desk was popular in the 1700s, the mahogany writing desk and the walnut desk were widely used in 18th century England, the Victorian boxwood table gained attention in the 19th century, and there was a brass and leather table from 1960 England. A type of wood that remained popular among table and cabinet makers past the 19th century is the burr walnut. Don’t forget to check the upholstery materials, which would often have damasks and brocades, among many different yet recognisable patterns. Also, screws weren't completely created by machine until 1848, so if you find ones with uneven appearance, the item would most likely be an antique.

How much do vintage desks cost?

These desks can be sold for a price of £125 to £36,500 in the United Kingdom, especially when in great condition. Figuring out the value of a vintage desk isn't easy; there are many factors you have to consider when determining the price of an old piece of furniture. The age of an old writing desk or a library table, for example, won't be enough to fetch a good price, especially when not in good condition. What could drive the price up for an antique desk is if it was crafted by a popular manufacturer, belonged or crafted for someone important in society or belonged to a well-known clan. Take note that the most valuable vintage desk is rare, so you have to check if the piece of furniture has an unusual size, shape or created for a certain purpose. Another thing to watch out for that could increase the price of the item is a unique carving motif and less common glass colour. You can find fine examples of these pieces for sale at the Love Antiques site.

Can I contact dealers directly to discuss vintage desk items through Love Antiques?

Love Antiques is an online marketplace where dealers can display their antique and vintage pieces. Whether you’re looking for a vintage writing table or a pedestal desk, among many others, the site connects you to trusted genuine vintage dealers. The transaction happens between the customer and the dealer. If you are interested in an item or have questions regarding an item listed on our site like its price, you can contact the antique dealer directly. Along with details such as the type of wood like mahogany and oak or other materials like brass and leather, and the date of manufacture, the dealer’s telephone number is included on the item's page. There’s also a section on the page that gives you an option to send an email to the dealer. If there’s a particular furniture you’re interested in, be it vintage or from periods such as Victorian and Georgian, simply type your preferences on the search bar and you’d be shown results containing the desks you’re interested in. You can also add materials in your search like leather, brass, mahogany and oak. For the finest vintage desk for sale UK collectors go after, visit Love Antiques.

What are the most popular periods for antique desks offered by Love Antiques?

Love Antiques offers antique desks for sale from the most popular periods of history: the regency periods Victorian and Georgian, the Edwardian, the 19th century, and the 20th century. We have further subdivided the 19th century into mid, and late. We have also put emphasis on periods early 20th century as well as the late Victorian period. Love Antiques has a wide selection of vintage and antique desks on offer at competitive prices from the most reputable dealers in and outside England. Whichever type of wood, purpose, or style period you’re going for, we’re sure you’ll find it here. We are confident there is something for all tastes and budgets at Love Antiques. Figuring out the authenticity of a writing or pedestal desk, for example, isn’t easy. Even harder to determine is its price, especially if you’re someone who’s new in antiques collection. You would need the guidance of a reputable antiques expert. Rest assured, here at Love Antiques, we have checked each of the antique furniture dealers you’ll be getting your vintage or antique desk from, so you wouldn’t have to worry about whether the antiques for sale that you’re looking at are authentic or not.