You need an antique expert to look at it because your pix don't reflect experience in looking - e.g. the inside of that drawer is not necessarily as 'telling' about its origins as the outside back or bottom of the drawer would be - to someone who knows. It's present lack of cosmetic fixing may or may not matter depending on what it's really worth. Get it evaluated properly and don't clean it up prior to doing that because you could end up removing some finish that matters.

antique or not it is a gorgeous piece of furniture. To me the draw fronts look solid but they do have inlays so you would need to be a bit careful sanding those. You don't need to sand it within an inch of it's life, most of the damage looks as if it's to the shellac/varnish/finish so give if you give it a sanding to remove the old finish and put a new finish on it, it will look fab. unless there are deep scratches in it then you dont need to sand heavily and mostly what I see is superficial damage. I would sand it and refinish because if you paint it will lose some of it's character.

Definately refinsh and restore it to it's original glory.
You need to sand it, and on some parts use a furniture
stripper -- like around the legs and the molding around the drawers.
It looks to be good quality and solid wood.
We've restored many wrecked antique pieces that looked
much worse than your desk (with water damage and cigarette burns)... so looking at your desk,
I give it a rating of 5 (10 being the most difficult)
When it's done and refinished you will be delighted.

Joann

I'm interested to hear what others say about the desk. I had one that was very similar, but had a folding top. My sister bought the piece in an antique/junk shop in the mid-70's. She had painted it several times before it was given to me, and I always meant to strip it and refinish it. I do remember that it was extremely heavy for it's size, and seemed well made.

I was feeling a little overwhelmed with furniture when we moved, and ended up giving it to a neighbor.

It's beautiful! I vote to restore it.

I also would see about getting an opinion before doing anything. You may be able to take more pics then look up that guy from North/South Carolina to see what he thinks. His name escapes me; someone recently posted a link to his message board.

I love the desk; I think once you're done restoring it you'll be very happy with it. We also got rid of one a few years ago; ours was a little different. We've gotten rid of a few pieces that I kick myself for now.

I would post this over on the Antiques forum and direct the question to someone2010 - I'm sure you'll get some valuable information.

Just gorgeous! I also vote for getting a professional opinion before you do anything. Refinishing could decrease it's value, if it has any.

Thank you all for responding! I emailed a professional and he gave me some history on it. Very interesting. He said it is definitely from 1900-1920's. It is a Spinet desk and more decorative than most. There used to be a lid which is now missing. =( My dad said he let my uncle borrow the desk and upon it's return the lid was gone. He is still mad about it. Now that I am researching them, it appears that was one of major appeals to the desk. The history of these desks is that in the late 1800's Spinet used to make pianos and when the piano stopped working, people converted these into desks. So during the depression era the appeal was strong and desks were made.

I do not think I am going to paint it now since I have learned the history. The professional I spoke with told me it will be a big task refinishing this desk. He gave me tips on how to do it myself. I am a bit concerned but I think I may give it a try. I do not have the funds to hire a professional since the cost of this restore would run between 400-1200 dollars! He told me fully restored the desk is valued around 450. As is, 50 - 100 dollars.

After so many years it is cool to find out the history of this piece.

If you have a woodworking store, like Woodcraft, near you, I would take the drawer in and ask them about the finish. If it is shellac, it may be easier than you think to renew it. It is a lovely desk and I wouldn't try to make it perfect.
Diane

Speak to your uncle about the missing piece; maybe he still has it.

Someone has a blog on the one he refinished for his wife. There should be others out there; he may be able to give you tips too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Refinished

I agree it's a very unusual desk and am glad to read that you intended to refinish, not paint. I would check over on the woodworking forum for suggestions how to do that. Whatever you do, make sure to use a clear varish and let the natural beauty of the wood shine through. There looks like a lot of build up of dirk and gunk. It's going to look beautiful when you are finished and well worth the effort. Do take lots of pictures as you proceed.