AboutFred Taylor Expertise I will attempt to answer questions about American antique furniture, including construction details, style, period, manufacturers, care, repair and storage. I do not have any background in appliances, musical instruments, sewing machines, lighting and clocks and will not respond to quesions about those items.
Experience I ran an antique furniture restoration business for twenty years. I am a nationally syndicated columnist on the subject of antique furniture for such publications as Antique Week and New England Antiques Journal. I have produced one video on the subject of furniture identification and my book "HOW TO BE A FURNITURE DETECTIVE" is now available.I have also published articles in Antique Trader, Chicago Art Deco Society, Northeast Magazine, Victorian Decorating and Lifestyles, Professional Refinishing, Antiques and Art Around Florida and Antique Shoppe. You can visit my website at www.furnituredetective.com
Education/Credentials BSBA Finance, University of Florida, MBA Finance, University of Florida
Expert: Fred Taylor Date: 5/1/2008 Subject: mammy bench and child rocker
Question I have acquired a mammy bench and child rocker. they are old and worn and dirty, they have black paint with red paint showing under at the wear spots. There is also some gold paint(?)in spots on the black paint-like details on the back. Should I attempt to clean them or just 'dry' dust them? one spindle on the rocker is broken-should I glue it together or just leave it alone? To look at the rocker one would not know it was broken unless you lift it up by the back. How do I know if these are 'real' or reproductions? Thank you for your time.
Answer Laura - I suggest no more rigorous cleaning than a damp rag until you have more facts. The same with the repair on the rocker. You need to have a knowledeable dealer take a hands on look and give you a personal opinion as to authenticity. I am also able to do that in some cases by photos. I will be happy to take a look.
You can send clear photos to me as .jpg files at info@furnituredetective.com. Please send the photos directly to me as .jpg files. DO NOT put them in an online photo album. Be sure to include a copy of your original inquiry so I can match them up or I will not respond.
Thanks
Fred Taylor
“HOW TO BE A FURNITURE DETECTIVE”
www.furnituredetective.com
