Posted 3 years ago
Johnr63
(1 item)
It’s in rough shape, bought it to refinish - but I am curious of the age because of the hand workmanship and square nails. There are no marks to identify where or when it’s from.
Added pics of dove tails on drawer and one leg was loose so I pulled it out. Can’t say I’ve seen anything like that before but I’m new to this to.
Very nice find, American Empire 1820-1840.
Beautiful pattern in the wood!
It is American Empire and dates from about 1850s- 1870s.
Doesn’t look to need a refinish— be careful as most of it is veneer.
scott
Thanks Congcu! Kinda of the time period I was thinking. Watchsearcher - I agree! Scottvez, it really did and besides only cost me $50! I will post pics when complete but as of now it is looking great! Also, it was missing one lock and the keys - is there someplace that I can get replacements without spending a ton of money? Thanks for all the comments! John
Put:
"antique dresser lock and key" into your search engine. You will find many at reasonable prices.
Also, the glue in those days was most likely hide glue which can be softened with heat. Do some research to see how veneer repairs are done on your type of chest.
Yes-- these are very under appreciated right now.
Bargains abound for 19th century furniture as it is not in favor now.
scott
Scott has it right! We have enough particle board stuff already.
Animal hide resin glue is fair priced and great for a project like this.You can use just the plain glue on a piece of wood and chase it with a heat gun or hair blow dryer and it will give you an old crackle finish. This unit looks like the best thing is a hand rub with four ought steel wool and mineral spirits to pretty it up. Then oil it up if need be. Nice looking old piece that will eventually come back in style.
Thought it would be worthwhile to highlight this:
Pieces of this style tend to be late in the period or soon after.
Period pieces (dressers) tend to have finer dovetails ( a photo of dovetails would help) and columns vs. FULL scroll work and pilasters. Also period pieces tend to have carved feet. There are exceptions-- I am just speaking in terms of generalities.
While I haven't seen the dovetails on this piece-- I have seen enough to reasonably infer that they are larger and LATER dovetails.
All of these indicators would put this into the 1850- 70s and not the earlier era.
scott