About This Feature
On the first Friday of every month, The Monroe Times presents a feature on the Life page detailing the history and value of one or more antiques.
Readers are asked to submit a photo of the antique they would like reviewed, or the antique itself when possible, by the last Friday of the month. Readers also should submit their name, phone number and address for verification purposes.
Other information requested of readers includes the name of the item and how it was acquired.
Eleanor Morstad, owner of Wildflower Antiques and Gifts, will then compile a history and description of the item. She may have to call the owner for information.
Morstad then will determine a value of the item based on her research.
The next Antiques Monroe Show will be on Friday, March 7. Antiques to be considered for that feature will need to be submitted by noon on Friday, Feb. 29.
The reviewer> Eleanor Morstad, owner of Wildflower Antiques and Collectibles of Monroe
The item> Early 1900s oak secretary-bookcase
The owners> Jon and Bonnie Mau, Gratiot
The acquisition > Belonged to Jon's grandparents and then his parents; then item was passed down to him and his wife.
The description > The bookcase is 67 1/2 inches high, 41 1/2 inches wide and 14 inches deep. It has a 9-inch square dungeon door with a wood dragon on the top left side. The frosted glass door is original. The door on the front of the desk has been replaced. There are 12 pigeon holes and a small drawer inside the desk. The rectangle mirror on the top center is original beveled glass. The oval mirror on the right was replaced about 35 years ago.
The history > This style oak secretary-bookcase dates back to the late 1800s. Most American furniture made in the late 1800s and early 1900s was oak as cherry, walnut and other woods became scarce. The oak during this period was referred to as "Golden Oak." As the oak finish aged, a deep amber color emerged.
The French Revival influenced the flowing natural design. Finger molding with motifs of leaves, flowers and birds were added to furniture pieces. Sometimes pieces were heavily ornamented and garish.
Some of the secretary bookcases were hand-made. The carving or laminated art on these pieces often was influenced by a certain nationality. Others were factory manufactured and sold by Sears and Montgomery Wards or a local furniture maker.
The secretary-bookcase usually was found in the sitting room or parlor. It was originally used by the man of the house to keep his books and papers secure. It later evolved into a showcase for special family china or crystal pieces.
The value> $900 to $1,500
