Author Topic: Dresser identification  (Read 4828 times)

brewerj7

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Dresser identification
« on: January 18, 2010, 04:22:17 pm »
We purchased this dresser at an auction several years ago, but we never have been able to identify it.

http://www.peculiarpossessions.com/PostImages/DresserImages.html

The auction tag description is "Mahogany Dresser," and that is all we have been able to find out about it, as I cannot find any information on the Internet and its not in any of my books. You can't tell from the picture, but the mirror appears to be old as there are some flecks of the backing missing.  Also, the bevel isn't uniform around the whole mirror.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

D&b antiques

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2010, 05:29:17 pm »
It can be very difficult to say' who designed it' it is Mahogany. the two piece panel on the sides are indicative of 1890 to about 1900. it is nice.

brewerj7

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2010, 06:14:37 pm »
Thanks for taking a look at it.  Your information is pretty helpful because we have a similar piece with a solid panel on the sides.

KC

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2010, 10:44:20 pm »
Has this been refinished?
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

brewerj7

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2010, 12:10:49 am »
I'm not really sure.  The face of the drawers look a little lighter than the frame part of the dresser.  Are there any clues that I might look for?

cogar

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2010, 05:09:32 am »
It doesn't look to me like it has been refinished.

brewerj7

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2010, 10:40:31 am »
How would it affect the value if it has been refinished?

D&b antiques

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2010, 12:00:51 pm »
The natural patina takes years of polishing etc to create. rare furniture would lose 50% percent of value. this type of furniture. Machine made is not going to make a lot of difference

brewerj7

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #8 on: January 19, 2010, 02:00:37 pm »
Is there some resource where I can find out more about this style?  I've searched the Internet and I haven't been able to find anything.  Does someone have a book they might recommend?

ironlord1963

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #9 on: January 19, 2010, 08:07:54 pm »
My personal favorite Furniture book thus far, I "Field Guide to American Antique Furniture", by Joseph T. Butler.  Keep in mind I have only a few furniture books thus far, and have little experience with Furniture.  This guide is lots of line style drawings of the different styles broke down in to Style catagory and then by type of pieces, i.e. Germanic then by chair, table and etc.  Has little real information but does wonders when looking for name of style and approx year. 

brewerj7

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2010, 10:12:44 pm »
Thanks for the information.  I will be sure to check it out.

KC

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #11 on: January 19, 2010, 10:35:27 pm »
Maybe it is my eyes and the fact I cannot enlarge the pics...but the side view of the drawer almost looks like a "wash" or stain on it is why I asked if it was refinished.
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

brewerj7

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #12 on: January 19, 2010, 11:27:11 pm »
Sorry about the small pics.  I think that is just the glare from the sun shining through the window.  I'm really not that good of a photographer.

KC

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #13 on: January 20, 2010, 12:28:59 am »
brewerj7, you did great!  We sometimes have to ask for retakes of some sort!

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

cogar

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Re: Dresser identification
« Reply #14 on: January 20, 2010, 07:10:35 am »
Maybe it is my eyes and the fact I cannot enlarge the pics...but the side view of the drawer almost looks like a "wash" or stain on it is why I asked if it was refinished.

KC, I pondered about the same thing for a while ....... so I finally "right clicked" on it and then "saved" a picture in my photo file, then went to my picture program and enlarged it.

It does look like a "wash" there, like someone used a stripper, but if they did they didn't apply a new stain because the "dovetails" of the side board don't show any "new" stain application.

One would need to take the drawers out and "check" all the "edges" between the stained parts and the unstained parts for any "overflow" of newly applied stain and/or varnish.

The "underneath" parts or bottoms of the boards and/or framework are usually where one can find said.