Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/4/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I purchased a chest w/five drawers.  It has enlay with shell in corners.  I really didn't care if it is antique, but since they said it is, I thought I would ask how old does a piece have to be before it is considered antique?  This piece needs minor repair on leg.  If it is antique, how much work can I have done to maintain its status?  Can it be dipped and refinished?  Can I change the hardware?  Thank you.
Answer -
Hi Sally
Nice to hear from you.
I really like this question.
The usual standard for an antique is it has to be over 100 years old.
I hear things referred to that are not this old as being "collectable", and I agree with that for the most part.
To qualify being a genuine antique, the piece must be in completely original condition.
Any alterations or repairs lower the value, and most definately with a piece that has the finish stripped off.
The value as an antique becomes almost nil.
If your dresser needs minor repair to a leg, thats ok.
I would have it repaired by a conservator if its a genuine antique, and if not you can do the repair yourself if you have the skills.
And the best part about owning old furniture Sally is that some day it will qualify as a genuine antique.
Now having said all the above, I feel that an old piece that is lets say sitting out in the shed because its a mess, should be refinished. Regardless if its an antique or not. If it spends a lot of time in a shed, it will soon end up in a dumpster.
Most of my antiques were found in terrible condition and refinished and repaired to their original beauty.
Does my stuff have much value?..probably not, but I love it and I had the satisfaction of bringing it back to life.
I hope this has helped Sally and thank you for writing
Kindest Regards
Eileen


Your response was so helpful and appreciated.  One last question.  The brass hardware on this chest is almost black.  This chest was made in Wisconsin and the tag reads 1930.  Can you recommend a cleaning solution for the brass? I removed one from a drawer and used brasso and another brass cleaning cream -- after 30 minutes of rubbing, you could see very little brass.  I believe they need to soak in a solution to lift some of the buildup.  Thank you very much.


Answer
Hi again Sally
If the drawer pulls are real brass, they can be cleaned by using a paste solution of white table salt and white vinegar.
Rub this in well and keep rubbing for just a few minutes.
A toothbrush helps in the crevices.
Then after the grime is off, rinse well and dry then apply the brasso.
It could also be the pulls are not real brass but pressed tin.
If thats the case they will never come any different.
I have often spray painted the handles if they are ugly with brass or antique gold laquer (hardware store), and I have also recently started using craft paint as the colors are so much nicer and not so fake looking.
Clean well with mineral spirits before either paint is used or it won't stick.
And I will just add that the paint will mellow down after a few months and look original.
I am thinking you and I are on the same "wave length" in our thinking about our old stuff. We want it to look good and look nice in our homes. And really thats what its all about.
Good Luck and please write anytime
Eileen