latest restorer

[Clinton1]

Heres the latest restorer piece, a Writing Desk.

I believe it is all Red Cedar, both the sub-frame, the exposed solid timber sections and the veneer. There is a little stringing, of a pale white/yellow timber.
It has an ink stamp on the underside, quite unreadable - its a circle with writing running around the inside of the circle, perhaps a "RLTON" for Carlton?? and a H?W in the centre.

The top is veneered, both on top and edgebanded, with the exposed section (that should be covered with the leather inlay) showing that the top is a piece of solid R/C. The serpentine drawer fronts are ply.... built up from 1/16" thick 'veneers'. The drawer front is cock beaded, and they are 1/2 blind dovetailed all round.

There is very little damage... some tiny pieces of veneer lifted from the edgebanding due to incorrect polishing technique and a couple of marks. The leather needs to be completely replaced.

I think this one will just get some EEE and Polish Reviver and a new piece of leather. :)

FWIW I think its a 1950's piece.... ink stamp, pressed metal back covering the nut on the brass drawer handles (made in England), some pretty bland R/C used in the sub-frame... I was told it was bought by the Grandmother of the middle aged person I bought it from.

Enjoy

Oh.... it was $150.

[MajorPanic]

Well done Clinton!!

Have ya finished yet??.... POST PIX!!!!

Come on, hurry up!! (patience is NOT one of my virtues;))

I'm sure it will be absolutely fantastic when you have finished with it mate! :cool:

[Wood Butcher]

Clinton,

I showed this piccy to a freind that is an antique dealer specialising in old cedar furniture. His words:
the drawers are ply, it is likely 1950's Sheraton revival
all i need is a good detailed photo of the underside of the drawer (to give a better opinion)
that isnt cedar (his words not mine)Robert would love some better photos as this is his passion. Would you mind? He thinks with a bit better detail he may be able to give you a better idea of what you have.

(Remember don't shoot the messenger :o, I personally have no idea:( )

[Clinton1]

No worries Rowan, but I don't have a digi camera, so I'll take some film ones then develop and scan and ..... :rolleyes:

The Drawer front is Ply.... the sides and back are solid.
As to the veneer type, I'm happy to be proved wrong as its a very nice veneer so if not RC then I'm interested in knowing what it is.

Please tell Robert that the photo's will come, and I welcome his opinion.
Thanks for passing my post on to your friend, greatly appreciated.

Actually you could ask him what the professional preferance is on replacing or leaving the leather top.... its lost about 1/5th of the leather (confined to one corner) and the rest is servicable but age worn and has small tears that have developed into frayed areas (only about 5mm long and 3mm wide).
I think replacing it is the go, and I'd roll the old leather up and store it in one of the drawers. The SWMBO is making noises about keeping this one, and asked if I could find pics of matching bedside cabinets. :rolleyes:
ALSO - does he know of a Restorers Association I can get involved in?

Major - I've EEE'd the top and drawer fronts and am pretty happy that I can get away with just EEE and Polish Reviver. Easiest restoration I've ever had!

I really like this style, faux-Sheraton, along with Chippendale and 'American Federation' so its no loss to keep it instead of selling it. I've only had 2 other pieces like this and sold both of them after restoration.

[Clinton1]

Rowan - here are some more pics, could you pass on to Robert?

The colour has washed out in the pics of the underneath of the table... I'll try to get it sorted out and post another, but its basically the same as the colour of the front.

[Iain]

I used to know someone who did leather inlay work but sadly he is no longer with us, these may be of some assistance though.

Allpress Antiques, 1425 - 1427 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144 Phone: 03 9824 8551 Fax: 03 9824 8551 Complete antique restoration service available. Specialising in retaining original finishes, all repairs, French polishing and wax finishes.
Andrew Price Antiques, 331 Koornang Road, Carnegie. VIC 3163 Phone: 03 9578 4117 Fax: 03 9578 4117 Sympathetic antique restoration, French polishing and wax finishes. Special interest in early Australian colonial and native timber furniture.


Brett Manley Antiques, 755 High Street, Armadale VIC 3143 Phone: 03 9500 0699 Traditional French polishing and conservation of quality antiques.

Ladson's Antique Restoration, 1417 Malvern Road, Malvern. VIC 3144 Phone: 03 9824 4755 Period antique furniture restoration, French polishing and veneer repairs.

Miguel Meirelles Antiques, 1379 Malvern Road, Malvern VIC 3144 Phone: 03 9822 6886 Fax: 03 9822 6825 Insurance and Museum work, restoration on all periods of furniture, gold leaf gilding, French and wax polishing, painted finishes.

[Wood Butcher]

Clinton - this is Robert's reply

Circa 1950's well made English Mahogany - a craftsman copy of Regency
furniture

Hope that helps!