Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/1/2005

Question
I bought an old table at my Grandmothers sale and it is very old. It has a very black and cracked finish, spindle legs, a drawer in the front and a shelf on the bottom.  I have been told that is a primative antique table, but not by anyone that has antique knowledge, could you tell me something about it without seeing a picture?

Answer
Hi Jeanne
Nice to hear from you.
It sure would be nice to see a picture of this table, but without one I will tell you what I can.
Primative furniture was functional, but not made for looks.
It will be crudely constructed and I have often seen the table tops attached to the base with nails through the top.
I own exactly one primative piece.
If I described it I would use the same words you did.
It has a drawer in front and a shelf on the botton.
When I pull out the drawer I see it has been simply nailed together with no dove tailing or fancy joinery.
The finishing is often rough as this was not important.
The primative pieces I see are mostly of softwoods, but they certainly made them with hardwood too.
There are certainly a lot of folks who think this type of furniture is very desirable, but personally its not my cup of tea.
So check your table out more closely with the things to look for and perhaps you can tell.
Hope this helps.
Kindest Regards
Eileen