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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: Castle Rock on September 14, 2014, 03:05:46 PM

Title: chas. Passow & Sons
Post by: Castle Rock on September 14, 2014, 03:05:46 PM
I own a saloon bar fixture that I think was manufactured by Chas. (Charles) Passow & Sons in Chicago.  I found lots of information on their billiards tables but can find next to nothing about their saloon fixtures.  I was told it has a berry stain on it which dates it to the late 1800's early 1900's.  The company was out of business by the 1920's I think.  I am interested in the bar history of it.  Any information would be appreciated as I am currently restoring it to a degree.  I love the scuff marks and whatnot on it as that is part of its history.  Looking forward to hearing anything.  Thanks!
Title: Re: chas. Passow & Sons
Post by: mart on September 14, 2014, 04:39:00 PM
Hi there and welcome !!  What do you mean "berry stain" ??  Explain please !!  Could we see pics ??  We are very visual !!
Title: Pictures of bar
Post by: Castle Rock on January 01, 2015, 01:09:46 PM
Finally got around to posting a couple pictures of the bar.
Title: Re: chas. Passow & Sons
Post by: Castle Rock on January 01, 2015, 01:17:44 PM
Couple more photos
Title: Re: chas. Passow & Sons
Post by: mart on January 01, 2015, 02:11:48 PM
https://www.google.com/search?q=Chas+Passow+bar+fixtures+pics&biw=1280&bih=626&tbm=isch&imgil=TYrlUsTJrjTDJM%253A%253BLTTyb1sJoBIlQM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fancientpoint.com%25252Finf%25252F76174-antique_front_and_back_bar_by_chas___passow__sons___turn_of_the_century_chicago.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=TYrlUsTJrjTDJM%253A%252CLTTyb1sJoBIlQM%252C_&usg=__b5t_8Ak0DZtoKOVw5Ak8FFrfKWw%3D&ved=0CDcQyjc&ei=LqalVNn0ComgyQSj44GgAw#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=TYrlUsTJrjTDJM%253A%3BLTTyb1sJoBIlQM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fancientpoint.com%252Fimgs%252Fa%252Fe%252Fi%252Fr%252Fs%252Fantique_front_and_back_bar_by_chas___passow__sons___turn_of_the_century_chicago_1_lgw.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fancientpoint.com%252Finf%252F76174-antique_front_and_back_bar_by_chas___passow__sons___turn_of_the_century_chicago.html%3B1600%3B1066

Do not know who told you it had a berry stain but looks like a regular oak stain that has darkened over time because of the varnish used back then !!  Even in the 1800`s and before they had stains very similar to what we have today !! Perhaps they meant that berries had left a stain on it somewhere ?? Have you seen this bar by same company ?? Chas. Passow made all kind of cabinets, bar fixtures, medical cabinets, and the billiard/snooker tables which is what he was most known for !!
Title: Re: chas. Passow & Sons
Post by: Castle Rock on January 01, 2015, 02:27:03 PM
The "berry stain" was removed and then stained Early American. The bottom half of the bar is oak and the top is mahogany.  I have learned some about Chas. Passow and Sons through the Chicago Billiards museum (great resource) and some other web sites.  I was hopeful someone out there knew more about the company, any records that might exist, other photos of a similar bar, etc.  My family purchased the bar and the building during the prohibition era so we can't find out any information about it, except it was listed as a warehouse when they purchased it. 
Title: Re: chas. Passow & Sons
Post by: frogpatch on January 01, 2015, 06:51:07 PM
A great piece. The berry stain escapes me. It is a great example of late 19th century woodwork. You seem to know a lot about it. Just clean it and nothing more. I love it.
Title: Re: chas. Passow & Sons
Post by: mart on January 01, 2015, 08:19:54 PM
There is no berry stain that I have ever heard of or found in research !!  Not even back then !!  
Found one entry where Passow & Sons also made some talking machines !!  They called it the "Musictrola" it was advertised in the 1916 edition of Talking Machine World !!