Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/10/2007

Question
I bought this bench and table at an antique action, it was in pieces and alot of the green paint is off. I need to know what exactly did I buy, there was another piece there and went for $900. I will describe it the best I can, it is a bench (about 3-4ft long) with a lid for storage in it, the sides come up about 2ft and a table that stands behind it that (I think) folds over top of the bench. I need to find out how the table is connected to the bench, there is two layers of torn off leather (nailed on) on the top front of the arms of the bench. I didn't get a good look at the other bench and table (the one in good condition) before the action to see how the table was attatched to the bench. The good bench and table went for so much and I got my bench and table for a great deal ($125) I decided to get it. All it needs is to be put back together. But when I went to look at the bench and table, the one in good condition, the buyers already took the piece. So know I can't figure out exactly how to put it back together or anything else about the peice. And do you think I should I strip the rest of the paint off and repaint it or leave the paint?  

Answer
Hi Ronda
Nice to hear from you.
This is the only pictures I could find of these bench tables. There are a lot of different views so hopefully you can see the construction method.
And certainly do not remove the paint until you know what you have.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Antique-English-Solid-Dark-Oak-Bench-Chair-Trunk-Table_W0QQit...
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen