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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Old Dresser w/mirror

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Expert: - 7/14/2008


Question

dresser w/mirror
We bought a piece of land and found several pieces of old furniture in a house.  I was wondering if you knew anything about this piece of furniture and/or how to clean it up?  Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Marilyn
Nice to hear from you.
What a lovely old piece.
It really looks dirty though and needs a good cleaning as you say.
Get a can of mineral spirits and a box of fine steel wool pads.
Use the steel wool dipped in the spirits as a scrubber and give the piece a good scrub.
I would remove the knobs as it will make it easier to clean.
Clean the knobs seperately.
Keep lots of clean rags handy and dry as you go.
I feel there is a lot of grime on the piece so you will be changing steel wool pads and rags often.
Always work with the grain of the wood where possible.
When no more dirt shows on the rags you know its clean.
Then a nice waxing and polish. Then replace the polished knobs.
The piece overall looks in very good condition so hopefully this will do the trick.
This appears to be what is called "bow front" design if I'm seeing right.
The drawers look like veneer but it would be nice to see it after cleaning.
I really think this piece has dye stain and is not cherry wood as one would think on first glance.
I'll guess its from the 20's or 30's.
The mirror is easily replaced if its broken.
Nice piece.
Kind Regards
Eileen  

Eileen Cronk

Expertise

I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc. I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.

Experience

I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.

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