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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: kellkit on July 22, 2011, 09:16:40 AM

Title: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: kellkit on July 22, 2011, 09:16:40 AM

I purchased this vanity at a garage sale.  The owner had no information on the piece.  Everything appears to be original hardware, mirrors, drawers, etc.  It is going to need some work and I would like to know if I should have it restored.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

(http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt89/kellkit4/64b4bcee.jpg)

(http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt89/kellkit4/429561aa.jpg)(http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt89/kellkit4/f95ad617.jpg)

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: cellblime on July 22, 2011, 09:36:20 AM

Just a FYI....you need to add [/img] after the url.

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: mart on July 22, 2011, 09:46:02 AM

You can post the pics here !!

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: sapphire on July 22, 2011, 09:47:29 AM

Added [ ] for kellkit   ;)


oops, someone is faster.   Ignore   :D

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: kellkit on July 22, 2011, 09:51:04 AM

Thanks, this is the first time I've done this

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: sapphire on July 22, 2011, 10:00:59 AM

I'll wait for the experts to chime in with their opinions.....but to me, judging by the medallion and the draw pulls, you've got a nice old piece there.  Are the 'drops' on the pulls wooden?

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: kellkit on July 22, 2011, 10:07:59 AM

Yes, they are.

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: waywardangler on July 22, 2011, 10:08:46 AM

This already appears to have been refinished at some point. The edges/corners on the drawers are rounded like they have been sanded. The original maker would not have done this.

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: kellkit on July 22, 2011, 10:12:54 AM

Yes, I think it has been refinished

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: waywardangler on July 22, 2011, 10:15:49 AM

If it has been refinished then it cannot be restored in the true sense of the word. It could be refinished again but it looks OK as is. Why do you want to redo this piece? What work does it need?

Vanities in my area (Wisconsin) are not expensive by any means. $50 or less is the going price. Vanities are not very useful anymore as most houses do not have room for this extra piece of furniture.

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: kellkit on July 22, 2011, 10:21:12 AM

There are a few dings and deep scratches in the wood.  Do you have any idea how old this might be? 

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: mart on July 22, 2011, 10:26:59 AM

I would do nothing more to the finish if it were me !! It appears that the drops and possibly the pull itself has been replaced !!  The drop portion looks too large for a dainty piece and looking at the close up pic there are shadows showing the original circle of the old pulls !!  Also the drop doesn`t fit the metal exactly and it was put in crooked it appears !!

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: waywardangler on July 22, 2011, 10:28:49 AM

No idea as to age. Gouges in wood can be raised if the fibers are not cut by using an iron on a damp cloth directly over the gouge. This must be done slowly so the wood does not scorch. The finish may need to be redone after this or maybe just polished out with rottenstone. Old English furniture polish does a very fine job of blending minor nicks and dings into the finish. I would try the least obtrusive method and work up. In wood finishing, you can't put back on what you take off.

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: mart on July 22, 2011, 10:33:01 AM

Looks like a modified Queen Anne pad foot so I would guess it to be from the 30`s or so !!

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: kellkit on July 22, 2011, 10:39:00 AM

I will take your advice and not mess with the finish.

Title: Re: Need information on antique vanity
Post by: hosman321 on July 23, 2011, 12:59:45 AM

Almost the same pulls. Just thought of your post when I saw it. http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/atq/2508574106.html