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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Dining Room Suit - Thomasville Chair Co.

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Expert: - 1/30/2010


Question

Table
We have acquired a dining room table with chairs, it also has a buffet with it. Wondering if someone could tell us how old it may be and if it would be ok to refinish this piece or is it worth more "left alone". The table has a few areas where the finish is worn,and what looks like a ring in the center where someone had set either something hot or a plant, but overall decent shape. Has 1 leaf. There are 6 chairs 1 has arms, covering on the seats is worn with a few places that are torn.

Answer
Your Duncan Phyfe style set was made in the late 40s. As far as refinishing goes, I don't think the value will be affected either way. I personally, would refinish following some guidelines.Don't change the look of the set with new hardware, try to keep the spirit of the same color that was on it and use the same type of finish in terms of sheen. Most of this type of furniture had a shine to it but no where near the "high gloss" finishes available today. Remove the ring in the table, don't forget to also do the leaf even if you don't think you will use it and recover the seats with new material.On the seats, I would try to add a little Cotton Batten over the old and put new material right over all that. That also leaves the original material on the seats for future reference. Many of these sets used a toner in the finish to get just the right look so consult with someone in your area who can advise on the best way to get that finish.
 It looks like a great set so spend a little time in getting a plan set in what you want to do before starting and send me a picture when your done!
  Thanks for your question,
   Rob
 http://www.andersonsrestorations.com  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you so much for your information. When we do finish the table & chairs we will send you a picture. Thanks again. Pam


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Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson

Expertise

We can answer questions about wicker repair and restoration, chair seating[caning-rush-splint-danish cord] furniture refinishing and repair, brass and copper polishing, veneering and veneer repair. WE WILL NOT GIVE APPRAISALS or answer "WHATS IT WORTH" questions. If you want a value, contact us for our current costs for this service.

Experience

Just entered our 40th year doing this work. We started in Fl and have been in NC for the last 15 years. We have a web site www.andersonsrestorations.com where we have alot of information about us and a blog at www.andersons-restorations.blogspot.com where we have many before and after photos of our work.We also are experienced in Fiat Jolly Seats and other automobile seating and work on Horse Drawn Carriage pieces.

Organizations
Past president of a historical museum

Publications
Antique Shoppe Newspaper, Yadkin Valley Living Magazine, Antique Lynks Newspaper

Education/Credentials
Seminole HS in Seminole FL class of 1965 and some college before entering service. US Army

Awards and Honors
Asked to demonstrate seat weaving at the NC Musuem of History, Paleigh, for 3 days. Demonstrated at the Mountain Heritage Festival, Sparta,NC.

Past/Present Clients
Restoring 35 pieces of wicker for the Governors Mansion, Raleigh,NC paid through private funding.

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