Collectibles-General (Antiques)/antique doll buggy

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/30/2011


Question
I have my doll buggy that is between 70 and 75 yrs. old.  The wicker is brittle to the touch, most of the top piece is gone.  The bed is an unpainted board.  Rubber wheels dried.  Frame in good condition.  Was not an expensive toy but would like to have it restored if not too expensive.  It is more of a woven cane than wicker and was probably never painted.  May have come from a Montgomery Ward or Penny's store as that are the stores in the area where I lived (S. Oklahoma) when a child.  I would appreciate any advice or suggestion.  Thanks.

Answer
If the cane material is that brittle and the tires are bad, I'm sorry to say it will probably cost more to restore then it would ever be worth. New rubber for the tires is not available so you would have to leave it or find replacement wheels from another buggy. Depending on the cane material and how it's installed would determine the cost of restoring that part.
Sorry for the bad news,
  Rob

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.