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About Fred Taylor
Expertise
I will attempt to answer questions about American antique furniture, including construction details, style, period, manufacturers, care, repair and storage. I do not have any background in appliances, musical instruments, sewing machines, lighting and clocks and will not respond to quesions about those items.

Experience
I ran an antique furniture restoration business for twenty years. I am a nationally syndicated columnist on the subject of antique furniture for such publications as Antique Week and New England Antiques Journal. I have produced one video on the subject of furniture identification and my book "HOW TO BE A FURNITURE DETECTIVE" is now available.I have also published articles in Antique Trader, Chicago Art Deco Society, Northeast Magazine, Victorian Decorating and Lifestyles, Professional Refinishing, Antiques and Art Around Florida and Antique Shoppe. You can visit my website at www.furnituredetective.com

Education/Credentials
BSBA Finance, University of Florida, MBA Finance, University of Florida

You are here: Experts > Hobbies > Antiques: UK > Collectibles-General (Antiques) > secretary or drop front desk repair

Collectibles-General (Antiques) - secretary or drop front desk repair

Expert: Fred Taylor - 6/24/2009

Question
One of the operators came loose from the loper. Is there a way this can be fixed?

thanks so much

Answer
Virginia - Most things like that can be fixed. It depends on how the operator was attached to the loper and why it broke. In many cases it is just screwed into the side of the loper. In some cases it fits into a bracket mounted on top of the loper.

Remove the top drawer to get a look inside. Pull out the loper to see what the attachment mechanism is. It may be as simple as replacing a screw. First determine why it broke. Usually it means the loper is binding in the slot putting pressure on the bracket and the operator. Then try to repair or replace the bracket if needed. You may even be able to cobble up something on your own that will work.

If you need to replace it the best bet will be a local restoration shop where the owner can't stand to throw anyhting away. A good shop will have buckets of extra misc parts. Maybe he has yours.

Good luck.

Fred Taylor
www.furnituredetective.com

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