Author Topic: Old Bench  (Read 10778 times)

hosman321

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Old Bench
« on: November 25, 2012, 11:24:10 pm »
Hi everyone! I bought this old bench on Craigslist today and I would love to know more about it. Mostly an approximate date and possibly country of origin. I believe it to be English, early 18th century. Obviously, the travesty of sanding it has removed it's gorgeous patina, history and a significant portion of it's value. But I got it at a very low price so I am just glad to have it and save it from their cold garage.
Some of the pictures are mine, some are from the ad. Luckily, the underside of the lid appears to have it's original patina. Although it's probably not half as dark as the outside once was. It has snipe hinges and beautiful decorated hardware. All hand carved. Some modern-ish nails in places. Original feet. I will go take a picture of the carving at the bottom of the bench and some of the inside, too. I am thinking about leaving the wood as-is and giving it a coat of beeswax. Tales suggested maybe mineral oil and then beeswax. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!
« Last Edit: November 25, 2012, 11:28:13 pm by hosman321 »

talesofthesevenseas

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #1 on: November 26, 2012, 12:35:45 am »
Beautiful! Even with the sanding! Looking forward to seeing what everyone has to say about this one. The hardware looks good to me as well as the patina on the unsanded areas, but I am not a furniture expert, so I'll sit back and learn!
Antiqueaholic in recovery

ghopper1924

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #2 on: November 26, 2012, 06:32:33 am »
I'm getting the feeling that it's an early 18th century box/chest married to a later back and arms.
"I collect antiques because they're beautiful."

-Broderick Crawford

bigwull

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #3 on: November 26, 2012, 06:43:00 am »
This is a Monk,s Settle...i think its all the one  piece...probably mid to late 19th century...and I wish it was ours....take your pick of these


http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=monks+settle&hl=en&tbo=u&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=G2OzUPzRMuTC0QW67YDwAw&sqi=2&ved=0CHUQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=651
I make no excuses,and no apologies....but i like a good Malt,

mart

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #4 on: November 26, 2012, 07:58:25 am »
Have to go with Bigwull on this one,, just from what I can see !!  I might date in a bit earlier if I could see it in person,, but from what is showing,, thats what I would guess !!  Its gorgeous whatever it is !!  Want to ship it to Texas ?? LOL
Where have you been anyway !!  Missed you here !!

ghopper1924

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #5 on: November 26, 2012, 08:27:13 am »
After looking at those photos Wull may be right after all.

If your question was for me Mart then the answer is that I've been here I just haven't seen much of interest lately!
"I collect antiques because they're beautiful."

-Broderick Crawford

Rauville

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #6 on: November 26, 2012, 09:01:02 am »
Nice bench, just remember the old adage...

"Wax once a day for a week,
Once a week for a month,
Once a month for a year,
And once a year for life."



talesofthesevenseas

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #7 on: November 26, 2012, 09:21:56 am »
What about the forged iron hardware though? That's all done individually by hand. Although it seems possible in the late 19th century, it doesn't seem likely to me with plenty of mass-manufactured options available by then,  it would have been an unnecessary expense. Any thoughts on that?
Antiqueaholic in recovery

ghopper1924

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #8 on: November 26, 2012, 10:04:22 am »
Hard to say from the photos but it could go either way. The hand-forged hardware could easily set the box/chest back to the 1700s as I mentioned before but it's also quite possible for the 19th century as well particularly the first 1/2.
"I collect antiques because they're beautiful."

-Broderick Crawford

mart

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #9 on: November 26, 2012, 10:20:53 am »
Hard to say but one would assume that in a monastery nothing was wasted !!  Hardware could be earlier and just reused !!  My opinion was from style of the bench !!  Its not as heavy as some from earlier dates !!  Has a lighter look !!
Actually it was for you and hosman !!  Was wondering if you had read Antique Talk lately ??  There is a post about Steuben glass you might be interested in since high end glass ware is your (and a few others) forte` !!
« Last Edit: November 26, 2012, 10:27:06 am by mart »

ghopper1924

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #10 on: November 26, 2012, 11:04:21 am »
Yes that Steuben thread was a good one. You made a good point re: Replacements. Com. They tend to be unrealistically high.
"I collect antiques because they're beautiful."

-Broderick Crawford

mart

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #11 on: November 26, 2012, 11:15:03 am »
We have been discussing Ruby Lane off site as a possible sales venue,,  Or have you used them for either buying or selling ?? What is your opinion as far as a good place to sell higher end glassware !!

greenacres

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #12 on: November 26, 2012, 11:52:20 am »
I think "Ruby Lane" would be a great place! It's much more high end if you want to get your price. I think people know what they're looking for there and expect to pay the realistic price.
" Energy and Persistence conquer all things."

ghopper1924

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #13 on: November 26, 2012, 11:57:27 am »
Don't know how it is to sell there but it's great for high-end buying.
"I collect antiques because they're beautiful."

-Broderick Crawford

KC

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Re: Old Bench
« Reply #14 on: November 26, 2012, 01:45:49 pm »
Ruby Lane would be much better than Ebay or Craig's List!

I am wondering if it was a homemade item that married two pieces in original construction.  That wasn't unheard of.  Everything was used!  Wonderful piece!  Without a hands on...I would be guess-timating from late 1800's.

I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!