Writing Desk

[Invictus Maneo]

In my new found interest in pens I thought I would share a writing desk that was passed down to me. I can remember my grandfather keeping tobacco for his pipe in it.
It's not perfect and has some cracks in the wood and some of the inlays are missing pieces but I thought I'd show it to you all and get some feedback.
Do you think it's worth getting restored? Any ideas of how old it is?
Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[tkc324]

Very cool

[One Ping Only]

Nice Ken. No idea what it's worth but it's cool.

[Invictus Maneo]

Thanks, guys! I have found a renewed interest in it. It's been sitting on a shelf in my living room for years.
I figure it has to be about 100 years old? I wish I could learn more about it but there's no one left in my family who could tell me. (Maybe Google can help with that)
I'm considering trying to use it once or twice, just to see what it feels like to write on!

[Bisquitlips]

I own a couple of lap desks, but none that were passed down to me.

I would treasure that in the extreme and not do anything to it.

My sincere compliments!

[Invictus Maneo]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

I own a couple of lap desks, but none that were passed down to me.

I would treasure that in the extreme and not do anything to it.

My sincere compliments!

Thank you for your reply, Richard! I shall take your advice and leave it alone as far as restoration goes.
It has some cracks on the bottom but overall is still totally functional.
I'm waiting for my first fountain pen to arrive, I went with a Parker Metropolitan for a starter pen, and will attempt to write on the desk at some point just to see how it feels knowing that my grandfather and maybe his father used it at some time!
Since my grandfather immigrated here from Scotland in the 1920's I'm pretty sure the desk would be from Great Britain or somewhere in Europe.
I just wish there was someone still alive who could give me a bit of history about it.
I shall also cherish it as you suggest!

[Bisquitlips]

Good on you Ken! I would leave it as it is. Remember that these lap desks were the precursors to laptop computers. Families would take them on travels when writing letters were the mark of good breeding. I only wish I had something like you have which was passed down to me. What a treasure.

Just put some Liquid Gold on it (penetrating oil) every year or so, but be sparing with it. I am an antique furniture restorer (used to make a good living at it in the 80s) and love what LG does for wood. Again, just a little goes a long way and will amaze you with its results.

Congratulations on the FP acquisition! Be careful as there is something addictive about them.

I started with one and now own almost 100. The multiply like bunnies! Keep in touch and be sure to post some photos of your new FP.

:)


:)

[Invictus Maneo]

Thanks for the tip, Richard ! I shall indeed put some Liquid Gold on it, sparingly as you've advised.
I am also eagerly awaiting the delivery of my first FP. It's going to be a Pilot Metropolitan, nothing fancy to start out. I did however yesterday order six different ink samples from Goulet Pen Co. And have been watching a lot of YouTube videos on pen care/cleaning/paper.......you get the idea!
One thing that bums me out is that here in Rochester, NY, there are NO stationary/pen stores. My AD sells Mont Blanc but I'm nowhere near ready for that, especially from a financial standpoint. I just wish there was a place nearby where I could take some pens out for a "test drive" instead of having to rely on internet reviews and video's. I've gone to the "Big Box" stores and their selection is pretty bad, especially for FP's.
When it all arrives I shall be sure to post a picture! And your right about the addiction part of this hobby. I can already feel cravings to get MORE!!!!!!!!

[Bisquitlips]

You will not be disappointed with any quality FP.

Enjoy!