Secretary Desk-Bookcase

Q: My mother-in-law bought this oak secretary with curved glass from someone in Xenia, Ohio, and gave it to me in the 1970s. It was covered with varnish that had turned black, so I refinished it. It’s in very good condition although the bottom left handle doesn’t match the other handles. What is its value?  […]

Larkin Secretary Desk

Q: I love our antique secretary-bookcase. I have had this piece since 1982. Can you tell me anything about it? A: You have a Larkin secretary desk-bookcase. John D. Larkin founded the Larkin Soap Co. in Buffalo, New York, in 1875. His brother-in-law, Elbert Hubbard, became a partner in the company in 1878 and it […]