My elderly next door neighbor wants me to help him sell off his furniture but it get’s difficult for me without markings. Here is what I was told….He purchased the piece in the 1970s for several thousand dollars. It was a Butlers Desk from the Mid 18th – Early 19th Century and came from a Plantation in Maryland said to have ties with Benjamin Franklin. I can see there is a quill holder on the piece. The knobs appear to be made of bone, I’m at a loss to price this for him and thought maybe somebody here might have some insight. Links to the pictures are below
http://tinyurl.com/mvz7x9f
http://tinyurl.com/kr2qdlp
http://tinyurl.com/mdkfhye
http://tinyurl.com/nb76wmy
http://www.antique-shop.com/forums/index.php?topic=16833.0
Jacon4 is an expert in early American furniture of this period !! Sad that values of items like this have taken such a hit in past few years !! Is there no one this person could pass the desk down to !! Perhaps children or another relative and let it remain in the family ??