A Beat-Up Box Gets New Life

Recently spotted a beat-up Lap Desk Box on sale on eBay — felt it could get a new life with some tender love and care. Took this project during a winter period (January and February), where sales are usually slow and want to bring back a real treasure. This box had a number of issuesContinue reading “A Beat-Up Box Gets New Life”

The Trick of Veneer

In the repairs I have done, veneer is always the trickiest! The boxes that need repair are often hundreds of years old and need very specific wood and/or veneers in order to match the repair area properly. When I first started, I went to a couple of antique restorers and they would quote ridiculous pricesContinue reading “The Trick of Veneer”

The Value Box — Restoration and Re-Sell

Recently found an antique lap desk for sale in Canada — it had a number of needed repairs. The following are just some of the issues: 1) One slope lid was jammed inside box, 2) The leather slope had damage in multiple sections, 3) The hinges were in the incorrect place, 4) The baize neededContinue reading “The Value Box — Restoration and Re-Sell”

The Value of Tape — Tip for Restoration of Lap Desk Slopes

There are many lap desks that have significant damage to their leather slope because of age, lack of care, vandalism, and just plain overuse. These were the laptop computers of their age and many professionals who were traveling on train, horse, and boat used them. In many cases their history is fascinating — filled withContinue reading “The Value of Tape — Tip for Restoration of Lap Desk Slopes”

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. WaitedContinue reading “Putting Humpty Together Again”

A Special Case

RESTORATION PROJECT: Large Antique Campaign Writing Lap Desk | Walnut Wood from the Victorian Period (1837 to 1901) | Initial Cost $277.50 | Cost of all Restoration Materials, and Services Used During Restoration $140.00 | Restored Value $1000 to $1500 The desk was a magnificent piece purchased from the United Kingdom from Robert Morrison Antiques.Continue reading “A Special Case”