Hi all,
I received an Italian renaissance bedroom set , late 1700s that looks like it all got run over by the truck delivering it ! The owners received insurance money of about $12000 to compensate for the accident. I have done some repair work on some of their other pieces and they wanted to know if I wanted to have it, I said sure.The problem is this thing is in a gazzilion pieces. It has two twin bed frames with ornate cherub carvings and such and an armoire with similar details that looks like its made to come apart for transport because its so big.I feel some obligation to try and fix it because of its supposed age but know matter how good of a job I do I’ll probably have to make some key parts and glue panels back together that has missing pieces at the breaks. The question is , is it worth it ,or should I take off the carvings and make something new or restore it and just put in new parts where necessary to make it whole again?
Thanks Tim
Replies
Tim
Without seeing or knowing anything else about it, I vote for restoring anyway. Unless you have some home decoration project that will really highlight the remnants of the piece, it won't have any value as an antigue anyway.
I've had the same dilemma (not nearly that old, however). My decision was to restore it with new parts only because I could use the piece of furniture when it was completed, recognizing that it had no value as an antique anymore. It was a good learning experience too.
My advice would be to leave it alone for now. Do the research, find out what you have, and what it's worth.Try to determine what it would take to restore it using the proper materials and techniques. A piece this old deserves to be restored to its original condition. If you don't think you can do that,find someone who can help, or sell it as-is.
I definately would not try to make something new from it. You would obliterate its history.It's difficult for me to see how such a piece would work,no matter how skilfully you made it.
If you want to know the name of a furniture conservator, email me.
Hope this helps.
Rick
Edited 1/15/2007 11:50 am by RickW
I have tried to do some research on the net and cant find much info. There is a name on the bottom of some italian, probably the carpenter who made it. I have to say that if I was a betting man I dont think its that old, old but not that old.most of the carvings are applicates ,does that seem right for the time period ? the wood seems to be a wormy walnut or maybe butternut it seems very light as in non heavy. It is still pretty darn cool though.
Tim
Tim,
It will probably take more research than on the net.Books on Italian Renaissance furniture,auction catalogs, and people who know furniture can all be valuable resources.
It may well be that it is a later reproduction, but I would make dead sure before I did anything at all to it.
What is the name on the piece? Some pictures would also help.Whatever information the previous owners can provide would be helpful also.
I don't know if applied carving is an indication of the age of a piece, but identifying the type of wood is an essential part of identifying a piece.
Rick W
I would suggest a lot of research before doing anything, except careful storage. Even a Stradivarius with new parts is quite valuable. I would lean very strongly towards restoration.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Tim,
Just because it is old does not mean it is valuable. It may have value in terms of sentiment and reverence to its age but little monetary value.
In its present condition as you describe it, it is probably best used as old wood for repairs.
If you choose to restore it, its value may be worth the time you have in making it right again if you are lucky. Heavily restored pieces such as this are generally worth a fraction of ones that are in good condition with minor repairs.
I would think that you should be able to determine if it were period by examining the joinery and looking for tool marks. But there have been many a fake made from old pieces put together to make new ones as well.
If you had a before and after photo that may be helpful.
I dont know how strong the market is for italian furniture in the US. Sounds to me like the previous owners made out pretty well with the 12k.
J.P.
T.T.T
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled