Undefined Slant top Desk

by readytoescape
(florida)

We have been searching everywhere to identify this Slant/Drop top desk. My wife and I for quite a few years have been attempting to identify a desk I inherited about thirty years ago from a distant relative, my Grandmother’s Aunt. We have been told this piece was in her home for as long as my Grandmother could remember. Unfortunately no further information is available since both have passed. In all our searching through thousands of internet photos we have never been able to find even a comparable design or configuration.

The only identifying marking on the piece is the number 29 stamped into the flip top and door edges and is hand written with what appears to be yellow grease pencil on the back. This indicates, in our unqualified opinion, to be a production piece, however it appears “hand crafted” as if a “made to order” design piece. The stamped numbers appear to be individual digit die type used to “engrave the wood”. The hinges and lock set appear to be brass, the drawer joints are dovetailed in the rear and modified “locked rabbit” joint connects the drawer fronts. The back is hardwood plywood fastened with what appears to be brass brads.

I have attached a photograph of the piece. Others have told us they believe this is an early English piece however they offered little else and were less than convincing without any hint of provenance. If possible could you please give us a suggestion as to what design type or category this piece would fall into? Or for that matter, any other information or insight you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.