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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/repair antique bonnet chest
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Question
Dear Ms. Cronk,
I bought an antique bonnet chest at an auction sale. When I pulled the drawers out to clean it, I discovered that some of the wood wear tabs (small squares of wood) were missing. Am I correct in assuming these are wear tabs? Do you know what type of wood these squares are usually made of? I would like to replace the missing squares with authentic pieces.
Thank you for your help.
Ellie
Hi Ellie
Nice to hear from you.
These are drawer stops not wear tabs and they can be made from whatever wood the factory had close to hand when they were making the trunks.
I replace these on most every drawer I refinish as most fall off over time.
I make them from soft wood or hardwood. And makes absolutely no difference to authenticity.
If you happen to have one in place, its easy to check if its hardwood or softwood with the fingernail test LOL
Your nail will penetrate the softwood, not the hard
Thanks for a neat question.
Kindest Regards
Eileen
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Hi Eileen, Thanks for your great response! That is really neat information that I did not know. I'll have to check out my bonnet chest (it's in another location from where I am) to see where the little squares are. They're at the front of the chest frame, but I don't remember if they're sitting on a horizontal surface or on a vertical one (more likely a drawer stop?). Best regards, Ellie | ||
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Eileen Cronk
Expertise
I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc. I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.
Experience
I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.
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