Any Antique Table buffs out there?

[andrew1]

Hi folks, a chum of mine asked me if I wanted to clean up a table he has in his garage as I do a bit of woodworking here and there. Trouble is this table looks like it's kinda special but I can't ID the provenance.

Anyone know what this is before I go sanding a potential Chippendale down and wreck it?

Those legs look interesting with the rose on them - English? Not sure... All thoughts appreciated..

Andrew

[Kati]

Re: Any Antique Table buffs out there?

Might be worth having a look here ... https://www.thespruce.com/know-your-...rniture-148749

Any idea what wood it is? Or if the table and legs are the same material?

[des8]

Re: Any Antique Table buffs out there?

Hi
The legs look as if they are a variant of the Flemish Scroll
Developed during William and Mary period.

Impossible to say when table was made, without actually seeing it (it could be a relatively late copy)

Assume it is mahogany.

Please don't attack it with a sander, which will remove all age from the table

Clean it thoroughly using linseed oil and white vinegar (3 to 1).
At first use a cloth, but you can finish with 000 grade steel wool, working in the direction of the grain.
Then decide on your finish.
Main options are French polish (nice and shiny but not very family friendly as marks easily)
Modern brush self levelling varnishes (eg Rustin's Plastikote) which give a hard glossy shine
Wax (eg Fiddes) which gives a good working finish easily repaired by owner in event of marking. Shine improves over the years (polish with wax(not aerosols please!) twice a year)

[andrew1]

Re: Any Antique Table buffs out there?

Hi and thanks. I'm not sure what the wood is to be honest. Don't worry, I'd never use a sander and was slightly tongue in cheek with the Chippendale and sander quotes...I really didn't know what it was, but I can see it looks different from most I've seen.

It was the rose on the leg which made me think about this - typical English rose and I can't do anything with it until my chum lets me take it away.

Some useful tips there des and I thank you for them. I was watching some video's on Youtube from the englishpolisher who really is worth a watch if you enjoy furniture restoration. I'm a bit of a novice, but love the feel of wood and cleaning it up.

Found an old 30's fire surround not so long ago resting up against a skip ready for dumping - cleaned it up and sold it for £525 - all it cost was a few hours cleaning and polishing - nice when it happens!

I think my chum wants to keep this table, but is intrigued by it although he can't clean it up himself.

Flemish? Now that makes you think! Thanks

[des8]

Re: Any Antique Table buffs out there?

Flemish refers to the style, not the maker!

Developed mid 17th century.( william & mary era) and used subsequently for sometime

Good luck with the restoration.