I am looking at purchasing this settee from someone. I love the lines but am not certain of the age/era. Has anyone seen something like this before that has a mid-century look but the claw feet and curves make me think it's older than it is.
Is this something more valuable restored or will it be a wash?
Thanks for any advice!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_b-s34UOXi1V0stbVM2RVcxZkE/view?usp=sharing
The limited photo doesn't show close up or sides but I would say "Colonial Revival " and it is older than mid century
SA
I don't know about it's date. Is that tiger stripe maple? Is that tiger stripe maple veneer?
Why are the claw feet and scroll work at the top discolored? Why are these parts discolored and the rest of the woodwork appears to be in great shape. Is this discoloration a result of time or vinegar and steel wool?
The indentations in the right inside and back inside lead me to think there may be animal hair or plant fibers underneath. The seat cushion looks like it has a well used down/feather insert.
More pictures may be helpful for others who might know more than me. At this point, between me and Steve, I would go with Steve.
As to it's value, I can't help you there.
Best of luck,
gene
Here are some additional pics:
This is a solid wood - looks like tiger maple. The claw feet are bird feet, not lion. Springs are 8-way tied.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_tf-0XexkqWRzNMSWpfOXBzNE0/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_tf-0XexkqWajZGUGFhZllaU2M/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_tf-0XexkqWaER5U2RFTnhwLXc/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_tf-0XexkqWWDBOSlN0Mzkyd0U/view?usp=sharing
Better pictures this time. Age? I could live with guessing 80 years plus or minus a little.
The wood? I guess red maple............or possibly sawed mahogany?
For sure there is quality in it and has a lot of potential. The 8 way insures to me the age and looks like the cushion was down fill?
The color looks very sharp with the wood.
Inherent quality the wood and spring up and the rest, there surely are people who would like it.
Thanks for the additional pictures.
Doyle
Doyle,
Thanks for your input. I am looking forward to tearing this down and restoring this. I've gotten into some woodworking recently but don't want to spend too much time on cleaning and refinishing. I've used a 50/50 denatured alcohol/water with scotchbrite pad before as well as mineral spirits to clean wood. Would you suggest anything different? I just want to clean the gunk off and perhaps use a gel stain to refresh the color.
On other recent pieces I've done a 1lb cut of 50/50 dewaxed shellac/denatured alcohol to seal the wood before staining so the wood doesn't blotch terribly.
Yes, do what you think is best for the wood without losing the patina, smooth it (s.wool), touch up, and a light gloss to your taste.
Hopefully, you can find a cloth with natural feel and coolers, then of course follow with decorator items (pillows). I enjoyed the latest pictures because the brown was brought out in the wood. There was some red, but not as much. Those feet, well don't see them every day.
When you do the tear down, there might be more evidence regarding the vintage of this one. Sometimes, I find the existing upholstery is fairly old and installed with tacks. History in review. Your findings could verify older age for this piece. I usually note if there is evidence of tack holes in the frame and any evidence of how many coverings possibly have been done on a frame. Just a little extra detective work. Also, note if that 8-way tie has been redone. Who knows that piece could be closer to 100 years old!
Wouldn't t be something to find information inside as to who manufactured!
Let us know!
Luck!
Doyle