I recently started a project to repair and refinish an antique game/card[?] table. It is a round table with 3 legs, one of which is broken in a major way. It may require remaking the leg. Questions:
1. When repairing an antique, at what point does the repair remove the item from the “antique” category/definition? The top of the table will only be refinished.
2. The table is made of mahogany but stained a dark walnut, pretty common for antiques. When refinishing does it need to be the dark walnut stain? Or, if refinished with a clear coat of shellac does it retain the “antique” definition?
I can provide pics if requested.
thanks,
Jim
Replies
"Antique" is a subjective term. It can mean whatever you want. If I considered it an antique, a replaced leg wouldn't alter my opinion.
I'd only worry more, but unless the piece has great monetary or historical value, feel free to paint it pink if that's what you want. If it belonged to grandma, it would still be an antique to me.
“[Deleted]”
How do you know it is an antique? What is your criteria for classifying as such? Replacing the leg if done correctly, will not devalue it. It is as important in valuation as to its previous owners / users. If Thomas Jefferson signed the Declaration of Independence on it, the value goes way up and you would want to repair the damaged leg at any cost.
Your skill level determines your next step. Be sure you use period appropriate adhesives. I hardly ever use TiteBond white or yellow glues because they are non-reversable. Hide glue is your better choice. As far as stain, try to match rather than leaving the new wood that doesn't match. Realize it may change color over time depending on environmental conditions. Good luck.
Technically an object needs to be a hundred years old to be called an antique - which is how we make a baseline determination when I was in that business. People all the time use that word loosely though. One thing to keep in mind though just because it a "so-called antique" doesn't mean it has a lot of value. Also, repair doesn't remove the moniker - but if it is a valuable piece substantial repairs can make it less valuable. Especially refinishing...this "can" remove a LOT of value from a valuable antique. Though not saying/implying that is your case. By the bye, never heard of an antique Mahogany table of any value being stained "Dark Walnut"?! You could find a dealer who could give you a valuation - good place to start.
I get where you are coming from.
I once saw a 'restored steam engine' but the only original bits were the wheels as everything else had to be made anew.
On the other hand, a bit of polish and maybe a touch up of a ding here and there is definitely original.
I don't think it matters. Furniture is meant to be used, and as it is used it will accrue damage. If it is a rare example of a particularly well-known maker or style then it probably deserves expert restoration and donation to a museum, but otherwise it's a table. Fix it up as best you can and use it as such. In 200 years, Antiques Roadshow will spot the repair and say how skillfully it was done, how it respects the piece and how it was great it continued to be used. You won't care for what I hope is an obvious reason!
The only no-no from my perspective is to deceive a potential purchaser about the repair. People will value intact older pieces more, but not by much save in exceptional circumstances. Most antiques, unless very rare or fashionable don't sell for much more than it would cost to make the same item to the same standard today - often way less. A good quality 1890s mahogany chippendale adjacent chair will sell for as little as USD 1500 in sets - each is a good week of work with significant carving and challenging joinery required. Bottom line is don't be too precious about it. Enjoy it and love it, for that is what makes it special.
https://www.sellingantiques.co.uk/883883/rare-set-of-12-mahogany-chippendale-chairs-by-marsh-jones-and-cribb/
Well said rob_ss.