Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/19/2008

Question
This cabinet was in house fire, was damaged by water and freezing. It is oak and has only water damage. Finish is naturally very dark now and some veneers are coming apart. I believe the antique value is gone and therefore want to restore it  for family sake. It has a Dulcimer & horn decal on curved door. The decal has music strips etc laced around it. I cannot save it. Is there anywhere to buy a similar type decal for furniture?
Thank you for your help.
Gregg

Answer
Hi Gregg
Nice to hear from you.
Not sure if you sent a picture but none came through.
Gregg I doubt you will get the exact decal, but try here.
There are 3 different types so check all 3 pages..embossed, hand carved and resin
http://www.vandykes.com/subcategory/71/
Possibly you can find something that would at least cover the area that will be marked from the old one.
You seem pretty certain the old one cannot be fixed but it is possible to replace missing pieces.
I am not suggesting you start carving oak, but I have in the past replaced missing pieces using clear pine and my trusty Dremel tool. Then a bit of toning to appear the same as the oak. Its "fool the eye" really.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen