Featured Interesting secretary

Greetings I saw this interesting piece but I don't know what to search for because I don't really know what it is other than a secretary. I haven't seen one like it before but expect someone here has? I don't have measurements but the top is at about 6'? Sorry the pictures aren't more clear but the store was closing. I didn't find any manufacturer's marks just a 692 imprinted in block letters on the upper part of the back. has the key and as you can see there are a lot of ink stains on the writing surface. Something kind of dismal about it

 

Well, I was surprised that you thought something was "dismal" about it

It's a walnut fall-front secretary ca. 1885-1895. I rather like it, although I've seen better. Not an uncommon design. Early examples sometimes enabled you to take the whole top half off and carry it with you. Worth used to be around $1500 give or take, depending on where you are. I like all the ink stains; it shows that the piece was used for its intended purpose. The "692" was probably an internal reference number for the manufacturer.

 

Thanks so much. You'll probably think I'm wacky but it's just a feeling. If only it could talk. Not sure if/where I'd want to put it in my current home.

 

Agree with 'Ghopper1924', nicely designed and useful antique. Many of the Victorian walnut pieces such as this are very pleasing IMO.