What's it worth? Empire Secretary appraisal

Patti asks:

Dear Auction Wally,  What is it and what is it worth? This is an antique secretary. My mother in law says it is Maple?  Can you please tell me?

   Thanks!

AW says: This is an Empire period secretary desk circa 1850-1880. It’s finish is that of  Black Walnut veneer, not maple as you were told.The technique used for the veneer is the “matchbook” technique and is desirable to collectors and dealers.

If  you look at the front of the drawer panels, you’ll see a kind of reverse mirror image of the veneer sheets, this is the matchbook technique. The columns on the front are in the Elephantine style.

• Retail value: $1,700-$2,250
• Wholesale value: $750-$1,100
• Quick sale: $500

Keywords:

• Black Walnut
• empire
• federal
• elephant columns
• elephantine
• secretary