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;
Thank you for the quick response on my question below. My browser was
loading the follow-up page properly so I have to ask a new question. As far
as the chairs, 2 more questions: any idea of the value? and, it seems like
there is an inlay of some other type of wood on the top portion of the chair,
any insight on that?
I will send pictures of the table shortly.
Thanks!
Answered Question
Subject Need help identifying wooden chairs
Question
Trying to find out the history of these dining room chairs. Have six of them
that we bought with a table- 2 large, 4 small. Neither the table nor the chairs
have any signature, except that the table slides are stamped Walter of
Wabash. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
Answer These are late Victorian parlor chairs or dining chairs as these things
were interchangeable, in walnut made around 1870. They show some
characteristics of the Eastlake style. Would you post a pictuare of the table?
Wabash makes slides not tables as you have indicated. It is possible that the
slides have been changed as this is not uncommon.
Without a label there is no way to tell where they were made but they are
American. Having a full set is a good thing and the condition and recent
refinishing is good and does not devalue the chairs as long as they were
glued and are tight.
bobklein
Robert Klein
Roberts Antiques and Restoration
2500 North T Street
Pensacola, Fl 32505
ANSWER: Inlay is into the wood, the parts you refer to at the tops is on the chair. It is common during this period and is burl walnut glued on or resulting in a raised panel.
You see this type of burl on most pieces of this style furniture.
A fair value for these chairs is 450-600 per chair.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Bob,
Thank you for all your great insights. I have emailed to you pictures of the table and a hutch that we bought from the same place in case they all go together. These pieces have no signatures. Any information you can provide including approx value would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Answer Hi
The table and hutch are contemporary, they are maple, and from the 1960s or 70s. However, don't let age detract from them, they are well built and the style is colonial. I cannot give value on contemporary pieces as they have no antique or collectible value, only replacement value and resale value. To determine such values I usually tell people to compare to a replacement set in a new store (how insurance companies do it) and go to high-end resale stores to find something comparable then figure from there.
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