American Empire Mahogany Butlers Desk With Bookcase Top Appraisal

American Empire Mahogany Butler's Desk with Bookcase Top

This is a two-part American Empire style butler's secretary desk dating approximately from the mid-19th century (c. 1830-1850). The piece is constructed from mahogany with rich flame mahogany veneers on the drawer fronts and doors. The upper section features a stepped crown molding over two glass-front doors, each containing six-pane glazing separated by thin wood mullions. Below the glass doors are four small side-by-side cubby drawers with brass ring pulls. The lower section consists of a deep secretary drawer that drops down to reveal an interior writing surface, situated above two full-width bottom drawers. The piece is flanked by bold, turned columnar pilasters that terminate in ring-turned and tapered feet resting on casters. The hardware consists of heavy brass stamped circular backplates with ring pulls. Notable condition issues include visible scuffing and finish wear along the edges of the desk surface, minor veneer chipping at the corners of the drawer banks, and a consistent aged patina across the wood surfaces. The craftsmanship is indicative of high-quality period production, featuring book-matched veneers and dovetail joinery visible on the drawer sides.