Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/12/2004

Question
Hello,
I have recently moved from Ca. to Me. there are barn and lawn sales everywhere, I would like to know what not to buy as far as wood furniture. I have already acquired a small low chair made out of wood. It is like a regular chair only it is wider. The wood is dark, some one upolstered it with orange vinyl that can be redone. The seat underneath says NO 170 Oak, and the next line says MULE 33ID It looks like the pieces fit into each other. On the back of the back pieces that go up to support the horizontal slat there are deep screw or nail holes that are than covered with round wood pieces to hide the screws or nails. However most are missing except for 2. Any information would be helpful.
Thanks,
Jeane


Answer
Hi Jeane
Nice to hear from you.
What an interesting question.
I'll start with what to look for at sales.
Most of the things I buy, need repair. Thats why they are cheap, and thats why a lot of people avoid them.
So first I look for age...now I don't mean I can look at something and tell you its age..I can't.
I mean I look for pieces that are old.
I usually avoid anything painted..unless I can ID the wood, and know its old.
I also have long passed the "paint stripping" age, and stick to original finishes.
In all cases I avoid buying a piece with a "botched refinishing job". You cannot replace age and patina that someone has removed with a belt sander LOL.
Next...if its broken, can I repair it?...in most cases I can, but some pieces are beyond repair.
The beyond repair pieces can usually be purchased for parts for next to nothing.
Next..is the piece veneer. I love the old veneers, but if they are badly damaged, I suggest avoiding them. And don't let anyone tell you that you can remove the veneer and find nice wood underneath..you can't.
Avoid pieces that have "false graining" unless its in mint condition. You cannot strip this off and find nice wood underneath.
Next you must consider your own skills as far as the restoration work goes. Most people do not want to pay a refinisher to restore things.
As far as your recent purchase goes, I cannot tell you anything unless I saw a picture..but..is it old?
You say it is dark..does it appear its varnish.
It is obviously oak as it says under the seat, but I have never seen an antique oak chair with such writing as yours.
Now don't misunderstand that statement..On "older" dining room chairs for instance, this is quite common..but the keyword here is "older" versus "antique".
If you have a picture get back to me Jeane.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen