Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/15/2009

Question
Hello,
Would it be worth it for me to keep a Mahogany Association Inc. small coffee table?
it's numbered 123 with a sticker, has a lovely color and metal claws, but has a leg that keeps coming unglued.
appreciatively,
danielle

Answer
Hi Dani
Nice to hear from you.
Personally I treasure real mahogany furniture (which your table is if it bears the mahogany Assoc. label.)
What you are describing to me is a "Duncan Phyfe style" table (metal claws on the legs and a leg that keeps coming unglued). I have had several of these over the years and find they are only good to look at. Not to use because as soon as pressure of any kind is applied to one side (a child leaning on it etc.), the leg comes loose again. They just will not take any kind of wear and tear LOL.
These tables are not hugely valuable and I recently saw one sell at auction for $60.00.
Your question "Would it be worth it for me to keep?", I would keep it and have it properly repaired if it can be placed where no one will lean on it.
And certainly I would keep it if it had sentimental value.
I still have a table like this that belonged to my Mother. She called it a tea table and used it as such but we kids never touched it LOL.
A picture would be great but thats what I can tell you from your letter.
Kind Regards
Eileen