Veneer repair of a rosewood desk  

another pic

I would probably first assess any previous repairs (and either remove or leave in place, if stable) and then fill remaining losses with shellac burn-in sticks followed by inpainting grain lines and sealing with appropriate finish. This is a common and straightforward repair technique often used by professional restorers and, done well, will only enhance both the aesthetic and monetary value of your desk.

That is an impressive desk, BTW!

@tktoo2. My daughter has used the method you described ,to repair various items of rosewood furniture , and the results are quite effective. She even let me paint in the grain lines once, which I really enjoyed!!

Great, shellac burn-in sticks, that's exactly what I was looking for, or better what I hoped something like that existed, but I had no idea what that could be called.

Many thanks, tktoo2, great!

Well, indeed, it's an impressive desk, I love it, once somebody said it looks like your private aircraft carrier! 😀 

Thanks, lexi!

@mvc, Experience counts a lot with this technique. I don't like to discourage developing new talents, but rather than collecting the necessary tools, materials, and practice, hiring a pro to come to you may be a resonable alternative. Here, in the US, specialists that do on-site furniture repairs are not too hard to find. Larger household moving companies and used office furniture dealers often have referrals to offer.

I am not unskilled in craftsmanship, first I will try it on a test object and then "attack" the desk.

Thanks again, tktoo2!

BTW, I am living in Germany, so unfortunately I can't hire US specialists. At least not on this matter 😀 😎 

Well, there are folks over there that do this, too. And there are always YouTube videos. Maybe you could even get Lexi to come over with her #0000 sable brushes!  Bon chance!

Merci! 😀