Posted 6 years ago
eabelcher
(1 item)
This piece is currently being used in a dining room as a buffet server, however, I actually think this might be a bedroom dresser. Trying to narrow down is this antique or vintage? Year? Would need to be refinished with some repair (bottom draw) and doors.
Any good guesses what this really is and is it worth fixing up and keeping?
Looks like a server and not a dresser-- the middle section with doors would not be typical for a dresser.
The wood is oak. The style and wood are both typical of 1890s- 1920, so I would call it an antique. Some photos of the drawer joints/ interior/ back may be helpful in narrowing the date.
Also look for a label on the back.
scott
I would agree with scottvez on this being a server. Looking at the steel casters and wood I think perhaps early war years. As for the wood involved in making this I see a mix of ash and oak which are almost impossible to tell apart when stained. Both are fairly open grained with oak being more open than ash. Also the oak will tend to have curvy or a more wavy grain than ash which tends to be more straight with a slight oval at the end. During the war years the government put the clamps on brass and steel which was used for the casters and they also halted the sales of oak for furniture. Companies were allowed to expend their supply but no more were allowed until after the war. At that point casters were pretty much done away with because carpeting was becoming common and the caster would tear up carpeting and bind up. Ash and butternut replaced oak in furniture for a number of years. In fact even over stuffed sofa frames were made from butternut because of it's strength and low cost.
Could be a mix of woods as fhrjr2 stated .
I also took a closer look at the wood and noticed that some of it appears to be veneer and not a solid piece. Take a look at the left door (as viewed), below the knob and running along the edge. In that area there are signs of the top wood being a veneer as it shows edge chips and a different wood grain/ color where the base wood is visible.
scott
Thanks Guys. Next opportunity I get, I will take more photos of the piece. I do not recall seeing any veneer, however, I also wasn't looking for it either. Will post another photo(s) in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I appreciate your opinions and insight. Sure glad you are out there to help me out on this.
Stay tuned - Liz
There is no top back mirror attached. That doesn't mean it didn't exist. All I can tell you is that there was is no mirror attached today. As we continue to work through the estate, maybe we'll find a mirror. :-)