Aboutrobert klein Expertise In regards to antique, vintage and collectible furniture I can help with wood identification, styles, age, and periods. As with all things, looking at pictures is not as good as actually handling the object. I am a qualified to answer questions about repair, restoration, refinishing, finishes, coatings, stains, historical coatings and materials.
SEND PICTURES WITH YOUR QUESTIONS OR THE QUESTION WILL LIKELY BE REJECTED.
Experience I have been in the antiques furniture and restoration business for 40 years and have continued my education in the trade by attending workshops and seminars through the Smithsonian, MESDA, and other organizations.
Organizations Professional Refinishers Groop, Int.
AIC
Education/Credentials BA Florida State University 1970
BA University of West Florida 1971
Past/Present Clients This is a list of people that i know personally across the country that are competent, knowledgeable and skilled refinishers, restorers and conservators.
AL Elberta Jim Cole Antique Works;
AZ Phoenix Hal Resnikoff The Village Woodsmith;
CA Fort Bragg Joe Amaral Wood Finish Services;
CA San Clemente Michele Rosen Michele Rosen Woodfinishing & Conservation;
CT Bridgeport Jim Young Old Gold Furniture Restoration;
GA Atlanta Brian Hillman Hillman's Restoration;
GA Bogart Fred McLean McLean's Refinishing;
GA Atlanta Alan Noel A. Noel Furniture Refinishing;
GA Atlanta Brian Webster Brian Webster;
KS Topeka Dave Macfee Macfee Refinishing;
KS Topeka Ben Myre Macfee Refinishing;
MA West Newbury Bruce Hamilton Bruce Hamilton Antique Restoration;
MA Dedham Robert Judd Judd Refinishing;
MD Monrovia Kevin Hancock Hancock Piano Restorations;
MI Armada Al Venditelli Armada Furniture Services LLC;
MN Bemidji Don MacKinnon MacKinnon Woodworks;
NC Winston Salem Martin O'Brien Martin O'Brien Cabinetmaker;
NY Holbrook Dean Camenares East End Wood Strippers;
NY Brooklyn Emily MacDonald Korth Emily MacDonald-Korth;
NY Latham Mike Mascelli Fine Upholstery;
OR The Dalles Frank Laroque LaRoque's Wood Shop;
SC Charleston Paul Garbarini Heirloom Finishes;
TN Oak Ridge David Reeves Classic Furniture Restorations;
TX Aledo Joe Hornor Little Jack Horner's Furniture Restoration;
TX Houston Fred Woodall Fred Woodall Repair Service;
VA Roanoke Dick Patch Astonish Antique Restoration;
WI Milwaukee Bill Balsiger Artisan Restorations;
I am unsure as to what this is actually called. It has one glass door that has two stenciled red lines painted from the inside of the glass door behind it is three wooden shelves. The glass door has a red plastic knob not sure if this is melamine or Bakelite? In the center of the plastic pull knob it has a small metal silver decoration holding it in place through the wood. Under the glass door and shelves it has one drawer with a single red plastic pull. It does have the same silver embellishment holding it in place on each side of the pull. Also below the drawer is two smaller wooden covered doors each has it’s own red plastic knob that matches the other pull on the glass door inside there are two shelves behind the wooden covered doors. It is wood construction with the exception of the very back of the piece that has a heavy type press board. It does have two stamps located on the back of the piece. One says Union Made in Kansas City Missouri with the number 44 also it does have one other stamped ink mark on the back that might possibly be a part number? It is 1P51A.8 I believe. I took pictures of each stamp and one of the front of the piece as a whole. It was I believe painted cream originally? It does have a scalloped top piece. It was purchased 1 week ago from an estate sale in Benton, AR. I purchased it from the daughter of the previous owner according to her (she was in her mid to late 60’s in age) it was her mother’s piece and before that it belonged to her great grandmother. I am not sure of the age. I have done a lot of research but have not been able to locate any information on the piece. I would love to know who made the piece, what it is actually called, the date the piece was approx. made, how much it could be worth and what is the best way to get the old musty and mildew type smells out of the wood? Any help would be appreciated. I know this is a lot and I wanted to say thanks in advance for any type of information that you could provide.
Leslie
Answer Hi,
I see these from time to time in antique malls. They are kitchen cupboards from the early 1950s and sell fast. People really like the retro look and are using these styles in decorating. The numbers are as you suspect, part or factory numbers that have no importance for you and I.
Being that it is factory made the only clue to origin is labeling, if the origin or manufacturer is not printed then we will never know from where.
Washing with a dishwashing liquid mixes very weakly followed by drying then left in sunlight with drawers out and doors open will be the way to rid this of the smell. You may have to put activated charcoal or baking soda in a container in the cabinet to finish off the smell.
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