Project Topic: Sideboard

[sapphire]

OK, I'm waiting for a reply to a query I sent about this sideboard/buffet ( ? ).  If they'll hold it for me I'm grabbing it cause I just love
the look.  I have a blank wall in my bedroom now and an entire collection of ceramic eggs that I want to display (plus I need more
storage space).  I've been scanning the ads hoping to find something that catches my eye and was within my price range.  

Can anyone give me any info or suggestions as to exactly what this is and approximately how old it may be? Does it appear to be oak?

Arggggh, if they won't hold it for me till I get off work I know I'm just going to cry!!

Edited to add.....it's 53" x 75" x 18.5"

[waywardangler]

That looks nice.  Is that hand carving on the panels, applied or pressed?  The center seems to have a dip.  I am not a furniture guy so I do not know the correct terms but I would look to see why the center looks off.  Maybe a structure problem that could be an easy fix?  Those lion head pulls are neat.  It does appear to be oak but that center leg bothers me.  Looks more like a replaced leg of fir than oak (and maybe too short and that is why it dips).  There is a lot of style to the whole piece except for the legs.  They are high and about as beautiful as a straight board.  Maybe all the legs are replacements?

[sapphire]

It's all hand carved wayward. They do mention that work had been started but more (obviously) had to be done. There was just something
about this that struck me. Seeing it so soon after it was posted (so minutes) I just jumped on it.......but apparently it didn't do me any good.
Two hours and more than 100 views, still no response....so they likely realized they were asking too low a price.  Wouldn't be a bit
surprised to see it relisted at a much higher price.

And yes, there's definitely a 'dip' happening.....that middle leg in particular seems 'off'. Knowing it would be a make work project I
wasn't really too concerned.

Really wish people would have the decency to at least reply...........ah well, the search continues.

[KC]

This "dip" or sagging occurs because of improper structure support on a piece and/or wood that isn't as study in the cross structure.

I even had this happen in a piece that was property supported just he weight above was to great and compacted the wood beneath.

I agree that the middle legs look as if they are added.  Need to make a closer inspection.  I am not sure how much it can be corrected.

To say the least in this condition there aren't many who will be interested in it.  Definitely appears hand carved and most likely early 1900's. Any way to get side views of pulled out drawers? and back? and pushing it....the inside of the cabinet door that isn't closing well?

Will be glad when D&b feels better and his computer feels better as well....he will do great in helping with this as well as regjoe, cogar, fancypants, texasbadger, etc.....

[cogar]

The center seems to have a dip.

It looks to me like that "dip" is an optical illusion as a result of both the top & bottom boards extending out from the front of the cabinet and having a beveled or rounded edge on them.

[wendy177]

Agree cogar would love to see pics from the side, beautiful piece sapphire!!! I think the door can be adjusted to close correctly.

[regularjoe2]

Not a bad one to pass on , sapphire .
 Looks like this unit had some issues that were not 'corrected' properly , when it was refinished .

It looks distinctive 'from a distance' & more so up close , if you get my drift .

Laying a straight-edge across my monitor , it's clear that the warp (that others have mentioned) extends all the way up the cabinet , to it's main top surface .... not a fish-eye lens on the cam , etc.

It is a bit frustrating when sellers won't/don't communicate .... my guess is that "the powers that be" prevented one of our premier researchers on the forum from getting stung on this one !

[KC]

Sapphire and cogar....that is what I did...laid a straight edge across key points in the photo....and the sagging is real according to the picture.

[sapphire]

Well I finally heard back, she was waiting for another 'buyer' to come see it.  They offered her $50. 

So guess what's stowed in the back of the Jeep right now? 

Made it to her house in an hour and fell in love at first sight.  It is so quirky and has so much character I just
had to give it a home.  If I were six years old and just told I could go live in Disneyland forever I couldn't be
any more giggly and excited!!   

As to the 'dip', yup is is sagging in the middle. The center 'leg' is not a leg at all, it a piece of board the previous
owner cut and stained (along with one for the rear) to prop under it ....... in the pictures it's only leaning against
it, not under it.  That's going to be one issue to address....but it certainly squares it up with the support.  I was
so thrilled with it's general look that I didn't go over it like I plan to when I drag it in. She was very good to point
out 'issues' she was aware of, like a split in the panel on the end, a drawer base that tends to separate ......just
odds and ends.

I can honestly say I'm totally thrilled with it, even though it's going to take some work to bring out it's best. Some
things will likely never be fully corrected, but I don't mind.  It just has so much character and as it's for myself I
don't have to worry about making it 'perfect'.

So be prepared for LOTS of questions and requests for advice and I'll happily put up with the groans and chuckles
that will surely be plentiful.

[ironlord1963]

Congrats sapphire, Looks like it has a good home.

[talesofthesevenseas]

Cool! It's neat, even with the issues. With a nice antique soup tureen and some other fancy china sitting on it, the bend would probably be less noticeable! (Ooh look! You just got an excuse to get s'more antiques!!!) 

[fancypants]

Good score , sapphire !

Some glue , clamps & patience will go a long way , on this very nice little item .

Looks like it's an oak item , mostly , yes ?

[sapphire]

Haha tales......won't have much room left when I dig out my eggs !      I'm hoping that with proper support,
whatever that may turn out to be, that sagging will be eliminated.  The blocks they used to brace it against the
floor made a definite difference, so if I can make (or have made) more appropriate legs that'll be one item off
my list.

fancypants.....yup, pretty sure it's oak through and through (except for the back.....kind of slab board covering)

Can't wait till tomorrow to get it inside (rather not break my neck in the dark)

I'm going to go all over it to see if I can find any marking, didn't notice anything on the back so hoping something
may show up on the bottom or drawers.  I wish whoever had it before hadn't refinished it.  Another issue may
have occurred due to that.  You'll notice black marks all over it.......seems to be related to nails, but not totally
sure on that though.  So more suitable support and a stripdown are major firsts.  Get ready to throw suggestions/
advice this way everyone.

Now to hunt up some new batteries for the camera so I can start detailing my 'treasure' and documenting my
(hopeful) progress.

[KC]

Look forward to hearing of your new adventure!  It will be fun!

[wendy177]

Sapphire so happy for you!!! it is a real looker!!!  Wish I lived closer to you as I would send the hubby right over (making furniture is his passion) to make repairs but you will do great!! Will have him follow this thread for any help he can give on your wonderful adventure. It does have a unique charm that just sucks you in.