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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Refinishing mahogany veneer furniture
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Question
I obtained two dressers, one with a large mirror that were sold by John Wanamaker's Dept' Stores around 1930 (I have a letter that came with the furniture). The dressers are mahogany veneer. The structural wood underneath may be basswood, but I am not sure. The dressers are in decent shape, but the veneer is scratched and stained in many places on both pieces. I have no experience refinishing furniture and was wondering if it is worth try to get these pieces refinished?
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Hi again Kevin
Fred Taylor our American Furniture expert on the site sent this info along for you.
"RE the question about refinishing mahognay veneer furnitiure - the dresser shown is walnut veneer. not mahognay. The underlayment of the veneer is not basswood. It is lumber core plywood, a fivelayer sandwich of solids and veneers that was the basis of almost all American furniture of the first half of the 20th century."
Many thanks to Fred
Hi Kevin
Nice to hear from you.
This is really quite a nice dresser.
Certainly better made than a lot of todays junk.
But paying someone to refinish both pieces will cost a bit in todays world.
This particular type of furniture refinishes beautifully and easily but that won't get you a cheaper rate.
So the answer to your question is "no". The pieces are not worth paying someone to refinish.
BUT...why not just do a face lift yourself.
I would be happy to offer some guidance and it would cost less than $30.00 to do.
Get back to me if needed
Kind Regards
Eileen
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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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