Want to buy an antique French desk? Do you know how to tell a real French antique desk from a reproduction? Our guide gives you the facts & information you want to know.
A French antique desk, like an antique French clock, is the perfect way to add a touch of class to your interior decorations, and provided you look after it, It could well prove to be an asset that appreciates in value with time.
The term French antique desk is actually quite vague and can be used to describe a variety of different style desks spanning a few centuries from the time of King Louis XI to Louis XVI. French antique desks are all, however, made from various types of wood, the most popular of which included kingwood, walnut and mahogany.
French antique desks are known for their elegance as well as superb craftsmanship. During their heyday, the best makers of French antique desks in Paris would have been continuously in demand with French nobility and aristocracy commissioning desks to made with specific details, as one would expect with a piece of rare art.
There are various styles of antique French desk. Some are quite grand and heavy and would have been used by the master of the house in his study, whereas others are rather more petite and would have been placed in the drawing room of aristocratic French households where anyone in the family could use it. Some antique French desks are rather simple yet elegant in their design while others have folding desk tops and several storage compartments, often with lock & key for safely storing valuables or even antique French guns.
French antique desk prices
The price of a French antique desk will depend on many factors. Firstly, there is the issue of how old and rare the desk is. Generally, the older the desk, the more rare it will be and thus be more expensive. Another factor that goes into fixing the prices of antique French desks is the condition they are in. Apart from the general integrity of the desk being in tact it is also important that there should be very few or preferably no nicks, bumps, scratches or such like. Often, even the smallest deficiencies in the desk can cause a considerable drop in price. This is why it is important that you take good care of your French antique desk and you would be well advised to keep it in a safe place away from daily use and the prying fingers of young children.
Restoring French antique desks
Restoring French antique desks is a good idea if you want to sell your desk or even if you just want it to look better. The main methods of restoring desks involve stripping down the old varnish, sanding out any bumps and reapplying a coat of fresh wood stain or varnish. Because of the complexities involved, it is always best to take your antique French desk to a professional restorer.
