Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/27/2007

Question
My Aunt Passed away and I was Lucky enough to get all of her Antiques, She was like a Mother to me.
Anyway, I know it was made in the early Thirties, It is a Barton Table. What should I do with it? I would love to have it dipped and Professionally stained to it's original Color, I need advise.
Would it be of less value? or should I leave it like it is? I have provides a few Pictures.The Tali is round and had one drawer, with tapered legs. it also has brass tips on the end of each leg, the condition is excellent, was this finished in a Mahogany, Maple or? Please help me with this, it was my Aunts, I would never sell it, but I would just like it to look like it did when it was new, But I would like to know if it would loose value if it was dipped and stained or painted, however it was when it was manufactured.
It does say it was made in Grand Rapids.

Thank you
Best Regards,
Joel

Answer
Hi Joel
Nice to hear from you.
Here is another question to  fellow expert Mr. Fred Taylor who tells us about this furniture Company.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Collectibles-General-Antiques-682/Coffee-end-tables.h...
My opinion is if the current paint finish is not original, then by all means have it stripped and restored.
You will certainly do nothing but enhance the value.
A professional will take about 30 seconds to tell you if the current finish is original.
Another 30 seconds to tell you the wood type LOL
I cannot do that through this forum.
Personally I would restore it to its original beauty.
Hope this helps and read Mr. Taylors answer.
Kindest Regards
Eileen