A second life for this Louis XV style desk in Rio rosewood veneer (Dabergia niera) and African mahogany (khaya). Besides the construction and visible tool marks, the dating of this desk is greatly facilitated by the presence of this African mahogany. Indeed, it was from the end of the 19th century that this type of mahogany began to arrive from the west coast of Africa and became prevalent in all furniture production at the beginning of the 20th century.
The restoration consisted of re-gluing the structure and the joints. Then, the veneer "bells" were re-glued, and the missing veneer was replaced with veneer that was cut, sanded, oxidized, and varnished before being glued with hot glue.
The UV-discolored varnish was thinned, then a colorless French polish was applied. The bronze parts were cleaned ultrasonically and new leather was fitted.
To see previous restorations : https://ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr/en-ce-moment-a-latelier/
