I have a chest of drawers in a very similar style and know for a fact it was made circa 1910. So that era give or take ten years is a good guess. Not at all ornate, and sometimes that type of furniture was referred to as in the "Adams" style when it was sold new. It's listed as such in some of my old furniture catalogues, insinuating it is that era's version of early American. Just because it's not ornate and is heavy and functional doesn't make it something other than household furniture, and that's very well what it is. Here's the thing about those monikers hung on antiques when they're bought and sold. Purchasers take it to heart assuming the history of a piece was passed along it's sale's journey. More often than not, someone down the line hangs a guess on it and then it's passed on like it's cut in stone. Happens all the time in genealogy with oral tradition. It's a nice piece and you done good if you got it for a decent price. Shame about the mirror. That happened to a piece I was transporting too and I also shall have to replace it with a modern mirror and they do look different, have a different 'cast' to their reflection and depth of field.

If you can't see the damage, then I'm not sure you could fix it. And like Luann say's particle board isn't made well enough to last. I'd recommend checking craigslist in your area or thrift stores to find a good used desk. Hopefully one old enough that's made from solid or veneer over plywood. If you have pictures of the damaged area I might be able to tell you if you could repair it temporarily, but you'll eventually have to replace it.

I don't like cluttered, but I don't think you should leave it bare LOL. We also have an antique dresser in our bedroom. I have a good size apothecary jar with a bird's nest and a bit of tulle in it to one side. A small gold (non-working) old alarm clock sits next to that. Towards the other end of the dresser I have an old mirrored tray that holds all vintage items, some bought, some from family. Items such as a very old photo in frame (small), old compact, old hand mirror, a small, flat perfume *flask*, etc. A pair of old lace gloves that belonged to my great grandmother line part of the tray. I guess the dresser has more feminine items, but in the adjoining bath, my hubby has an old brass shaving mirror - one of those kind that holds an old razor and shaving brush. The mirror we bought, but the razor and brush are family items. Yes, we like old (and handed down) items at our house LOL. tina

If you want clear, glass is the best way to go. What is your objection to glass? If it is color, then you can get 1/8" thick glass that will not change the color that much. If you put a sheet of clear acrylic (like what is used for framing art), that would scratch also. The glass I use is 1/2" to 3/4" thick.