Putting Humpty Together Again

RESTORATION PROJECT: Unique Antique Lap Desk | Period Unknown (best guess 1850 to 1920) | Cost of Desk $88 | Cost of Materials used for Restoration $4 | 3 Hours of Labor | Resell value now $240

The story begins with a great deal on a unique lap desk found at an estate sale. Waited for delivery on desk in mail with eager anticipation!! Finally the package was delivered… I opened the carton, and found a desk in pieces (and in pretty bad shape). What the heck?? Some of it was handling by USPS and some of it was packaging by sender.

The box had the following issues:

1. The general frame was loose — not structurally sound. 
2. Slope needed replacement.
3. Baize needed replacement.
4. Desk needed to be put back together (like Humpty Dumpty).

See photos of Antique Lap Desk before restoration begins:

Went to work on the frame/body of desk. Had to take desk apart and put back together. Reinforced all weak points with wood glue! Once the glue dried and I tested the frame was solid/stable… went to work on other areas that needed attention.

The existing slope was covered with a cloth teal colored covering (old and falling apart). Carefully took it off covering and glue underneath. Already had a beautiful red leather replacement slope in the “wings” for a while — was waiting for the right “patient.” It took some careful cutting and glueing. It looked great once complete! When doing these types of projects — measure carefully and make precise cuts to leather (use Xacto cutting tool and take your time).

The next step was replacing the Baize. Again, it was replacing a cloth colored teal covering (looked and felt bad to touch). Used a nice “green” black wool Baize. When I say “green” — mean it’s made of natural materials (not plastic or synthetics). Also used bookbinding tape to reinforce base and then placed new baize (used white tacky glue with spreader to get even amount of glue over baize and wood).

See photos of Antique Lap Desk after restoration: