AboutFred Taylor Expertise I will attempt to answer questions about American antique furniture, including construction details, style, period, manufacturers, care, repair and storage. I do not have any background in appliances, musical instruments, sewing machines, lighting and clocks and will not respond to quesions about those items.
Experience I ran an antique furniture restoration business for twenty years. I am a nationally syndicated columnist on the subject of antique furniture for such publications as Antique Week and New England Antiques Journal. I have produced one video on the subject of furniture identification and my book "HOW TO BE A FURNITURE DETECTIVE" is now available.I have also published articles in Antique Trader, Chicago Art Deco Society, Northeast Magazine, Victorian Decorating and Lifestyles, Professional Refinishing, Antiques and Art Around Florida and Antique Shoppe. You can visit my website at www.furnituredetective.com
Education/Credentials BSBA Finance, University of Florida, MBA Finance, University of Florida
Question I have an antique Ducan Fife dinning table with folding, drop-in leaf and four chairs. I am considering selling, however, the chairs need re- upholstering and the table has some damage on top. I am wondering if I should disturb the finish for refinishing?
Answer Gary – Your set is not “antique” as it’s usually defined. So called “Duncan Phyfe” dining sets are from the Depression era of the 1920s and 1930s and 1940s and are not considered antiques. The rule of thumb is that if you plan to sell an item or a set, upholstery and finishing decisions should be deferred to the new owner. It is unlikely that you will match the taste in fabric and finish of someone else. It is true that you may realize a better price by making the repairs but it is equally true that you may detract from the price or kill a sale altogether with your choices.
On the other hand, if you plan to keep the set for yourself, repair, upholstery and refinishing will not make the set lose any of its value. Since it is factory made, mass produced 20th century furniture it has little or no collector’s value currently. Its value is as well made older furniture so make it pleasing to you.
