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Antique Federal Desk c. 1845-1865 Mahogany Drop Front ~ w/Black Finish - $650 (Bastrop/Paige)
Highway 21 E near South Old Potato Rd
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No damage except for the one spot or chunk of veneer missing on the inside of the flip down front piece. In other words it’s not normally not visible. Would be a minor repair for a refinished or woodworker but if it bothers someone it could simply be filled in with a black touch up pen be even less noticeable. Normally that piece would be resting down flat anyway so it’s hidden or if the front is dropped down to close the desk it would also be hidden on the inside.
I may have a black chair from about the same period this was made that might go well with this. It would also be for sale if you are interested.
I will be adding measurement as soon as I can get back my storage unit. This is a larger desk and would have been considered a gentleman’s writing desk in the Federal style (just before Victorian era).
There were originally 4 inner small drawers but now there is only one present (the one small drawer is not shown as I forgot to take it out of the larger drawer, I’ll add a photo and measurements of the piece later)
Here’s what ChatGPT has to say about it:
Authentic mid-19th century American drop-front writing desk, dating to approximately 1845–1865. Solid wood construction with turned legs, a fold-down writing surface, and a full-width lower drawer. Interior features four original drawer bays (one original small drawer remains; others are absent, as commonly found on desks of this age) and a central open compartment.
The desk retains a later black-painted finish, applied over its original 19th-century surface. This is an old, honest repaint—not modern chalk paint—and presents beautifully with age-appropriate wear and patina. Interior wood shows natural oxidation consistent with period construction.
All major structural elements are original and intact. The desk is sturdy, functional, and well-proportioned—ideal for use as a writing desk, entry console, or decorative antique accent.
Details:
• Circa 1845–1865
• American, handmade construction
• Drop-front writing surface
• One large lower drawer
• Four interior drawer spaces (one original drawer present)
• Solid wood; secondary woods visible inside
• Later antique black finish
• Normal wear consistent with age
This is a genuine antique, not a reproduction.