How do you clean the ormolu mounts?

Dust them lightly with a soft, dry bristle brush. Metal polishes contain abrasives that strip away original gilding over time. Leave dark tarnished areas alone. This oxidation builds up naturally and provides depth to the casting details.

The key is missing for the sloping front on the desk I am looking at, so can a replacement be made to lock it again?

A traditional locksmith can cut a new key to fit the existing antique lock. They remove the mechanism from the carcase and file a brass blank to match the internal levers. It is often worth having this done. An unlocked fall-front can sometimes drop open accidentally if the desk is moved.

Why are the legs bent inwards?

This shape is called a cabriole leg. It emerged in the early eighteenth century to give heavy furniture a lighter, more organic appearance. The curve requires a large block of solid timber. The maker cuts away most of the wood to leave the graceful shape behind.

I noticed the veneer on the top has some large cracks running across it, does this mean the wood is drying out too much?

Wood naturally shrinks and expands with seasonal changes in humidity. The solid oak or pine carcase moves at a different rate to the thin decorative veneer glued on top. This tension causes the veneer to split along the grain. It is a standard feature of old veneered furniture rather than a sign of active neglect. Keep the piece away from direct heat sources like radiators to stop the splits widening.

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Antique Bureau De Dame from the 19th Century

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An antique bureau de dame is a small, freestanding writing desk designed specifically for women, featuring a slanted fall-front that opens to reveal a fitted interior of pigeonholes and small drawers.