Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/1/2007

Question
I am thinking of buying a 1870 spanish honey colored oak & chesnut side table but there are 2 cracks along the seams of boards that make-up the top of the piece.  One crack runs the whole length of the board.  How do these cracks
affect the value of the piece?   Since it is expensive
I would like to know how cracks are viewed in general.  Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Ted
Nice to hear from you.
Hmmmmm...Interesting question.
In general (as you asked), cracks indicate the piece has been subjected to extremes of humidity.
These cracks appear and then close as the humidity changes.
Cracks also indicate the wood was not properly dried at the time the piece was constructed, but this type of crack will not close as in the first instance.
I guess if you have not purchased the table as yet you cannot determine which type of crack this is.
And in my opinion, both would effect the value (the second type more than the first).
Just another thought. Are you sure this is an 1870 table and not a repo that was made of wood not properly dried?
And is the table a primitive type (from an old kitchen) or an elegant dining table?
If its an elegant dining table I would pass.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen