Thread: How to tell, and should i give it a bash?

Hi Kabia. Obviously nothing here, but did you get any advice on this.

cheers
OG

I'm dubious re "18th century"
it's in pretty good nick for something over 200 years old and some of that molding looks like it was cut with a router.

Kabia, if you're still around can you post a few more photos showing some of the detail

From the photo is looks late Victorian era, ( 1890's - early 1900's ), going by the carved work and the handles. The carved work would have been done in a workshop with a Hand-operated Moulding plane,- The old Stanley Tool Co., used to make one which had several dozen shaped blades, which did anything from Tongue & groove cutting, to fairly intricate mouldings. Knew of an old cabinetmaker years ago who had one,- It did an excellent job, but Oh so S-L-O-W compared to our modern day hi-speed electric routers. Have read about these old tools over the years, as I quite often find old woodworking tools of yesteryear a fascinating subject, as, (example ),- what we call a Router today, had a totally different meaning 70, or more years ago,- those days it was a mini plane designed to hand-cut the recesses for door hinges
Hope this bit of info helps out a bit,
Roger

Mid 20th Century at best, maybe the trees were planted in the late 18th Century - the motif on the doors looks to be 'Art Deco'.

Have a go at fixing it, be aware that it may be oak veneer with solid wood edges, so gentle does it. A 'professional' will charge like a wounded bull & no guarantee of a good job.

Kabia hasn't been back on the forum since this thread was originally posted back in June this year. maybe lost interest, who knows. Fancy piece of furniture though.

I would put it at early to mid 20th centuary. It is oak however. Could even be Belgian. Not looking in bad nick either. Should look ok with a clean and a bit of polish.
Regards
John