Author Topic: Edelweiss Chest  (Read 2588 times)

jacon4

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Edelweiss Chest
« on: March 18, 2020, 04:46:27 am »
Today a chest goes on the sale block at Pook, the question is, is it a decorator type object, an antique chest painted in the style of John Bieber OR a "real" Bieber chest that has been overpainted/inpainted and probably with replaced feet? I dunno but we should find out more later today.
https://www.pookandpook.com/lot/berks-county-pennsylvania-painted-dower-chest-4021684

I tried to load a pic, NO GO! this site is barely operational.
UPDATE: it DID post, it's a miracle?

« Last Edit: March 18, 2020, 04:48:54 am by jacon4 »

Rauville

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #1 on: March 18, 2020, 01:32:01 pm »
I would say; similar to a "20 footer" paint job on a car...it looks best at a distance. ;)
Compared to known examples, somebody did an excellent job of restoring / copying the Bieber style. (Once again, my own opinion.)
https://collection.barnesfoundation.org/objects/5244/Chest-over-Drawers/

jacon4

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #2 on: March 18, 2020, 01:42:46 pm »
it looks best at a distance

You are correct!
Well, the sale and drama are over, I won the chest today!
« Last Edit: March 18, 2020, 01:44:41 pm by jacon4 »

mart

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2020, 12:08:56 pm »
I would say just a nice decorator piece !! I agree the base  feet are not original !!  Not a new chest just not TB !!

jacon4

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #4 on: March 19, 2020, 12:24:07 pm »
TB?

jacon4

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #5 on: March 19, 2020, 02:41:49 pm »
I am betting it is a Bieber chest. Check out this article from 2012, pic of same chest i purchased yesterday.

https://www.berksmontnews.com/news/northern_berks_patriot_item/a-look-back-in-history-rare-bieber-folk-art-edelweiss/article_7f9fc849-8e67-5931-acf6-3172a53fd8dd.html

Plus, there is a new book just out, published in Nov 2019 about the Bieber clan of joiners & their shop. It also has a photo of this chest.
Another important point here is, this chest was owned by a member of the Bieber family. It may have been inpainted "wrong" by today's restoration standards but i think it was built in the Bieber joiner shop. I'll know more when it gets here and i can examine it.
« Last Edit: March 19, 2020, 03:50:49 pm by jacon4 »

mart

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #6 on: March 19, 2020, 06:23:27 pm »
Thomas Bieber !!  I assume thats who you were talking about !!

https://www.pinterest.com/thomasbieber/bieber-chests/

« Last Edit: March 19, 2020, 06:57:39 pm by mart »

mart

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #7 on: March 19, 2020, 07:27:20 pm »
Or is Thomas the gr, gr, grandsons name ??  Never paid that much attention to it,,just looked at the chests !!
Just something about this one does not look right for the time period !!  Or its been over painted ect !!

KC

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #8 on: March 20, 2020, 12:24:18 am »
Congratulations on the win.  I like it!

Mart, I think it could be original.  I believe what is throwing me off is the red base - makes the base appear to have an Asian/Oriental/Whatever-you-want-to-call-it influence.  Whereas you look at all the other Bieber chests and they are made in the same style but are different colored bases which doesn't appear Asian/Oriental/Whatever-you-want-to-call-it!
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

jacon4

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #9 on: March 20, 2020, 12:55:33 am »
 Or its been over painted ect !!
Yes, much of the chest has been overpainted / inpainted but as an old furniture person that doesn't bother me as much as say a Folk Art person, i am more interested that it was built in the Bieber shop. Yes, Tom is great great great grandson, 9th or 10th generation.
Besides, once folk art people get involved, I CAN'T AFFORD it! they do same thing i hear with duck/bird collectors, drive prices thru the roof!
I would add that the feet are probably replaced to as they are with most Bieber chests, those high bracket feet on almost all Bieber chests just didn't make it into a 3rd century.

Congratulations on the win.  I like it!
Thanks! I like it to and, it's pretty much all there except the lock & feet. Arranging shipping now, can't wait to examine it. I could always have the overpaint removed but i doubt i will do that just because "folk art" people don't approve. Have been looking into paint restorers/conservator's though, i will probably have them at least take a look see.
Besides, it is very possible that inpainting was done by a member of the Bieber clan and if that is the case, no way would i remove it. The owner of this chest was/is a grandson of Mary Bieber.
« Last Edit: March 20, 2020, 06:41:48 am by jacon4 »

mart

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #10 on: March 20, 2020, 02:25:20 pm »
I like it the way it is !!  As found condition !!  Good buy if you didn`t pay an arm and a leg !!  About 2 to 3K is what I would expect  !!

jacon4

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #11 on: March 20, 2020, 02:34:25 pm »
About 2 to 3K is what I would expect  !!

Good Guess! Gold Star for you! You can climb off your stump now, for a little while anyway!  :)
I paid 2250. and with shipping, right at $2500. if it is in fact a Bieber chest and i am pretty sure it is, I SCORED!

mart

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #12 on: March 20, 2020, 05:38:23 pm »
Ha !!  Yes,, Jacon4,, I`ve still got it !!    Stump is still working !!  :D

KC

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Re: Edelweiss Chest
« Reply #13 on: March 20, 2020, 09:53:23 pm »
SCORE!!!!!!!!   Good Job!
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!