Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/17/2006

Question
Hi Eileen,
I recently purchased a vintage waterfall cedar chest. I think it is covered in a walnut veneer, (some sections are burl). Aside from a couple of small chips and a little buckling here and there, the main veneered areas are intact. I'm hoping it has a shellac coating so I can fix up the finish, as it scratched in some places, dull in others and discolored in others. Around the bottom, the veneer will all need to be replaced as it has flaked off in several places. (I think I've got myself quite a project here as the only thing I've ever refinished before is a jewelry box!) Maybe it would be easier to rip off all the veneer and leave it natural? I bought this for my daughter who is getting married a year from this summer. I thought it would be so lovely to bring it back to it's former beauty, fill it with treasures for her new life, and give it to her for a shower gift. Any tips you might have would be very appreciated. However, what I am really curious about is who made it.  The stamp inside the cover is only half there.  What I can see is a partial oval with the letters INGHAM above, a line of pine trees in the middle and DAR CHEST at the bottom. Below the oval, very faintly it looks like  N, WI . Any ideas?
Thanks so much for your help,
Penny

Answer
Hi Penny
Nice to hear from you.
What a wonderful idea to give this chest to your daughter at her shower.
I cannot help much on the maker of the chest as I am not familiar with the US furniture Companys, but the "dar chest" of course is cedar chest.
If its at all possible, try to restore the existing veneer if you can.
In most cases it can be reglued and the bottom portions can be replaced.
Its been my experience that when veneer is removed, you will not be happy with the underlying wood.
I guess if you removed the veneer, you also have the option of painting if all else fails.
Keep in mind that a chest in this condition is not worth a great deal so you are not damaging a valuable antique with whatever route you choose.
Good Luck and I think your daughter is fortunate to have such a thoughtful Mom.
Kindest Regards
Eileen