Antique furniture identification/repair/refinishing
I am finally starting the repair and refinishing of an antique(?) table I acquired over the last few years when the back legs of it literally fell off of it recently. An examination of the piece found some interesting features- the pair of back legs slide out as a unit to support a butterfly leaf, and there is a fifth leg in a storage pocket underneath the top.
First of all, I am trying to identify what the style is. It doesn’t appear to be one of the more decorative styles- the legs do not have feet, are tapered, and have a small amount of fluting and a decorative element recessed into the front face of the front legs. The front apron has a rectangular section and is curved in a generally ogee profile. The bottom edge of the front & side aprons have a wood (single) bead and barrel trim molding- 1/4″ wide x 1/8″ deep. The top is generally rectangular when the additional top section is in the stored position; the top edges have an ogee edge profile (definitely not a pie crust edge). The table is mahogany. The slide mechanism for the top is wood. I have not been able to find any makers marks so far. I acquired this piece in the Central New York area. Being a newby to antique furniture, can anybody help me out in identifying what I have?
I’m going to be looking for a source for replacement mahogany bead & barrel edge trim. Any recommended sources?
Sorry- no photos at the moment; hopefully some will follow in the near future.
Replies
Really hard to say much without some pictures. Sorry.
A few more tidbits on my antique piece: all the original glue is definitely hide glue and the original finish is shellac. All major joints are joined with spiral-cut dowels, so I'm assuming that makes it a relatively new piece. Leg-to-apron joints have glue blocks. I'm guessing that it dates back to the early 20th century, so it's most likely not an antique. Still a nice piece of work.
There was some previous attempts at repair that can be kindly classified as inept butchery. Lots of drywall screws, galvanized angle brackets and newish phillips-head wood screws. The sliding back leg extension assembly was pinned thru the exposed side apron face with either finishing nails or possibly a small-diameter drill bit. Had to use a Saws-All with a nail-cutting blade to cut it; a hacksaw wouldn't touch whatever the fastener is. Need to pull the fastener remnants- the end projects slightly thru the finished face of the apron.
Hopefully I'll be able to get a couple of photos posted tomorrow. It's a bit challenging given it's only got the two front legs in place right now and all the mass of the top... The aprons & top are definitely mahogany veneer over what appears to be a poplar core.
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IMG_5311.jpegHere are some photos. Top is nominally 40" x 46". Top finish appears to be a french polish over shellac & a reddish-brown stain. Original glue is definitely hide glue. Leg-to-apron joints are fluted dowels.
Not sure why these didn't post with the last response.
Old, but looks like production furniture, not what I think of as "antique". I'm guessing 1950s by the look and fluted dowel construction. Unlikely to be french polish. Check with a drop of alcohol on a q-tip in a spot you won't see. Style to me is "Sheraton..ish"? Look where it breaks, I'm thinking a lumber-core veneered construction. The trim being applied and not carved is another indication of a factory build.
Your comments are much appreciated- thanks! The fluted dowels make me think also that it is a "vintage" piece & not an "antique". Definitely lumber core veneered construction. Definitely appreciate the tip of alcohol on a q-tip.
Any ideas on a potential source for replacement trim molding?
@Gulfstar: no extension panels per se- just a single butterfly wing attached to a narrow (6" wide or so) section slip-doweled to a fixed half-top section. With the top fully folded out, it's a nominal 40" x 46" or so.
@RobertEJr: I'm not familiar with the Thomas Jefferson restoration videos and haven't started searching yet. Can you clue me in on where to find them? Don't plan on sanding down the top finish, but it will need to be replaced. I'm not a pro, but can do some decent finish work. Appreciate the heads-up about the color change issue.
How many extension panels did you get with your purchase, these tables will extend to the extent of needing the extra leg to support the center. We own a very similar one with cabriole legs.
I suggest you watch some Thomas Johnson restoration videos before you start.
What I can tell you is if you sand down the top it will likely end up a different color, unless you are either a professional restorer or an very good amateur.
^^ This^^
Thomas Johnson is the man.
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