Aalto secretary desk  

Lucky us, suomisue!
Suomisue - I loved reading how much you also enjoy your desk! My daughter will be the 3rd generation to inherit ours- she loves it! (I'd be heartbroken if she didn't appreciate her grandma's great taste!) I have other wonderful pieces inherited from my folks. Lucky me!

Black lacquer IS original!
I found another image that shows my desk, also painted black. It apparently was offered as an option...

aalto desk
I have a chest of drawers which is identical to the bottom half of the desk. It also has a black lacquer finish, which is original to the piece. My parents purchased it in Chicago along with several other Aalto pieces in the early 1950's.