Anyone out there with any bright ideas?
To clarify, I'm not complaining about the scratches, it's an antique desk I got for fairly cheap (compared to what they usually go for) I am just curious about what a previous user of the desk did to make the scratches.
For context, it is a roll-top desk from 1910-1923. The scratches appear in a patch about 7" long, they are all on the top panel above the roll top. From the hight of the desk and the hight of the panel I can just about reach up to where the scratches are but have to stretch a bit. If you are at the desk in the centre the scratches are on the left side and the slant slightly so the are coming towards you (if that makes sense).
My gut is that they have been made my a pen knife, as they are fairly deep and seem to start with a point. But I have no idea what you would be doing with a pen knife that often at that hight and at that angle!!
Any bright ideas?