Antique Secretary ~1850?

by Herb
(Holland, Michigan, USA)

Oak & Walnut Secretary

I have a secretary that belonged to the first Caucasian family to live in the Holland, Michigan, area. The sides and bottoms of drawers have the undulating rows in the wood of hand planing. So it could be pre 1850. The nail heads are rectangular which would put it 1830-1890 from what I have read. The drawer pulls are carved wood which I think is probably Victorian (1850-1910).

I would like very much to establish the date of the piece. It is constructed of a combination of oak and walnut. Does that indicate anything about its date or origin? The drawer fronts are oak and the drawer pulls and "frame" around the drawers are walnut. Similarly, on the bookcase portion - the doors are oak and the frame around them walnut.

The family which originally owned it came from Massachusetts. If the piece predates 1840 it may have come from the East Coast.

I would greatly appreciate any information that can be provided! Thank you.