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 have an antique convertible baby stroller- high chair with markings on the tray PAT JUNE 22 1875 BEISUE APR 9 1875. My grandmother purchased it most likely in Wilkes County NC. I am curious where this piece was manufactured and how many similar items were produced. Are there any collectors of these chairs, and what is it's range of value. The seat has been woven with some type of string. Is this likely original and did the chair come with the fabric cushion? Wood screws were used to attach the tray arms to the back. Are these likey original hardware or what type of fasteners were used? What kind of wood is used and would any restoration enhance it's value?
Answer Hi,
cannot tell the wood from this photo but generally they are cherry, maple, or birch. Folks that collect dolls are particularly drawn to these type pieces. As to manufacturer, there were tens of thousands of manufacturers in operation at the time this was made, 1875-1900 so without a label there is no way to tell the factory of origin. These were not uncommon but they do not come up often because everything with moving parts such as this and items that were used heavily as this would have been just do not survive. The seat would not have had a cushion, most had a cane seat, fiber or leather. The hardware could be original, what you describe is appropriate. Proper restoration would enhance value, proper, by someone who knows what and how to do this. But--you will not recover the restoration costs if it is your intention to restore then sell. My charge to do something like this would be around 650$ which is the limit of what you would reasonably get for a sale.
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