You will need to do a bit of research to find the best antique desk for your purposes, and you will need to make a few decisions before beginning your search, such as how much room you have to spare to the desk, how much you are willing to pay for an antique desk, and what type of desk you are looking for. It may also be wise to decide beforehand whether the antique desk you are searching for will be used as a showpiece only, or if you will use it for regular work. This may have an impact on the condition of the desk you choose.
Countless varieties of antique desk models exist, from rolltop desks to partner desks, or simpler designs such as schoolhouse desks. Choosing the style that will work for you is a matter of considering what you will use the desk for; research will be necessary to determine the style you want. Once you have settled on a specific type of antique desk, do as much research as possible to find out how and when the desks were commonly made, which materials are best, and what the common value of such a desk is. This will give you an idea of what to look for when you do track down a desk that fits your needs, and it will help prevent you from getting cheated by purchasing a replica rather than an antique.
If possible, seek out a reputable antique dealer who can help you track down an antique desk at a fair price. It can be difficult to find a reputable antique dealer, so you will need to do a bit of research. If any antique clubs or organizations exist in your area, be sure to consult them to find out if they have recommendations for reputable dealers or other places where you can find the desk you are looking for. Some clubs may even offer you help in determining the value of an antique desk before you purchase.
When you track down a desk, be sure to take note of its overall condition and determine whether your budget will allow you to do any refurbishing that will be necessary. Some damage done to antique desks is irreparable, so be sure to take note of any damage that cannot be fixed as well. This type of damage does not necessarily make the purchase of that particular desk a bad choice, but it helps to know what kind of product you are investing in.