The Jan. 26 episode of Antiques Roadshow featured a particularly interesting piece of antique Victorian furniture, owned by a woman named Cathy Crocker from New Hope, TX. A recent article in the McKinney Courier-Gazette Star Community Newspapers tells the story.
The piece was identified as a Texas Fall Front Victorian desk, valued between $2,000 and $2,500. It had been abandoned in a barn that Crocker’s grandparents bought back in the 60s. The drawers had to be chiseled open because of the rats nests. Crocker stripped and cleaned it and has been “hauling it around” for years.
She sent a picture of it to Antiques Roadshow and was selected to appear. She was told that essentially some pioneer cut down a tree and built the desk. Now she understands its value and gives the desk due honor in her home.
You’ll have to take a look at the photo. It’s a fascinating piece of furniture. I never cease to be amazed at the ingenuity and creativity of the Victorian cabinetmakers.