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February, 2020 The Antique Shoppe Page 27
Hi folks - Nice to hear from you again. According to Christian Carron’s
Questions & A. great book Grand Rapids Furniture – The Story of America’s Furniture
City, published by the Public Museum of Grand Rapids, Limbert’s early Arts
and Crafts pieces had a fumed finish that produced that warm brown look on
the oak of the period. Based on the description of the label I believe your desk
Common Sense Answers dates no later than 1906. However, yours may not have had a fumed finish
because it is very difficult to remove the color and your piece appears to be
quite light - unless someone tried to bleach it out which is very often the case.
with Fred Taylor Fumed finishes are very messy and somewhat dangerous so I don’t

normally recommend them. There are a number of links on the Internet with
descriptions of the process. You should have no trouble finding one. However,
here is a link to a process that looks like fumed oak but uses no ammonia.
I am looking for a phone chair that has a rose carved in the back of the Check it out. http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Achieving_the_
Q. chair part. I would like to know what era they are from and a technical Fumed_Look.html
name if you have one. I found a broken one and took it to a repairman and he He says he achieves great results using only water-based dye stain, store-
lost it (he says). I really want another one. I would appreciate any help you can bought oil-based pigment stain and a clear topcoat such as lacquer or shellac.
give me. Thanks! Cathy B. Here is another formula by Jeff Jewitt, an acknowledged master of the subject.
Cathy - The common name for a phone chair is a gossip bench. They http://www.woodcentral.
A. are from the Depression Era, 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. The rose carving com/bparticles/missionoak.
is a holdover stylistic element from the middle of the 19th century style shtml It is as good an article as
Rococo Revival that was once again popular in the 20th century. I hope the I have seen on the subject and
repairman has offered to reimburse you. Good luck. I recommend the procedure.

The key is to practice on
Hello - Once again we are reaching out for your help. We found a some scrap wood. You need
Q. Limbert desk in a garage sale. Unfortunately, it had been stripped to go to a cabinet shop and
about 15 years ago and left in that state. Hubby wants to put a finish on it and get some drop pieces of white
of course he cannot duplicate the old one and we cannot find out how to get oak, quarter sawn if possible.
close to the look of the old oak finish. Would you have an idea or two that you Don’t use red oak or the color
could share. won’t be the same. Please let
The desk has a great drawer. An inkwell and pen slot are on the top cover me know how you make out
of the drawer. It is branded with the Limbert name , the words arts and crafts, with the table. I would love to
and Grand Rapids on the inside of the drawer. Thanks for your help. Don and see “after” photos. Thanks.
Adrienne K.
Dear Fred - I have a
Q. desk which we have
loved for years while living in
an 1895 house. However, now
that we are in a circa 1763
house, I am wanting to make
space for earlier pieces. The
only information I have is that
it is walnut and Eastlake. If
you could give me information This desk is referred to as “Eastlake” although its
95 Geneva Dr., Oviedo, FL 32765 about its value or whether namesake, Charles Locke Eastlake, did not design it or
or not you feel it is likely to be
anything similar to it.
Open 7 Days • Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 12-6pm of interest I would appreciate
Central Florida’s Friendliest Antique Mall it. In these times of computer stations, I wonder if there are fewer of us who
Over 12,500 Sq.Ft. • 100+ Dealers for your shopping Pleasure appreciate a fine writing desk??? Many thanks. Janet H.
Janet – Your desk is indeed a walnut Eastlake desk. But more
Just in...huge selection of advertising memorabilia, A. importantly it is a cylinder desk, a desirable form in the recent market.
antique newspapers & magazines, photographs, Your desk appears to be from around 1880-1885. The main structure is solid
and pin up pictures. Civil War - WWII. walnut and the drawer fronts, and most likely the cylinder faces, are walnut
burl. The added bookshelf gallery on the top is a nice touch and should add to
the value. The desk appears to be in very good condition which is a primary
Primitives, Antiques & Collectibles of All Types element in price. This desk would be of great interest to someone who
Highwaymen Paintings are our Specialty. collects the late 19th century since it is an excellent example of the style. It
would probably sell at auction between $1,000 and $1,500. Your best bet is to
A few choice dealer spaces available. consult a local auctioneer for his opinion on how this style and period sells in
your area. There are significant regional differences in the prices paid for late
Call for details. Victorian furniture. Shop around before you sell.

www.oviedoantiquemall.com PH:407-366-3668 Send your comments, questions and pictures to me at PO Box 215, Crystal River, FL 34423 or email them to
oviedoantiquemall@gmail.com 866-824-9336 me at info@furnituredetective.com
Visit Fred’s website at www.furnituredetective.com and check out the downloadable “Common Sense
Watch batteries installed $5 to $12 each by 40 year veteran watch Antiques” columns in .pdf format. His book “HOW TO BE A FURNITURE DETECTIVE” is now available for
and clockmaker. Full service clock repairs. $18.95 plus $3.00 shipping. Send check or money order for $21.95 to Fred Taylor, PO Box 215, Crystal River,
FL 34423
Make Downtown Oviedo your All Day Antique Destination! Fred and Gail Taylor’s DVD, “IDENTIFICATION OF OLDER & ANTIQUE FURNITURE”, ($17.00 + $3.00 S&H)
2 antique shops, (25,000 sq. ft.) & A thrift store within easy walking distance. are also available at the same address. For more information call (800) 387-6377 (9AM-4PM Eastern, M-F
We stock Greenwich Bay Shea Butter Soaps & Lotions 4 only), fax 352-563-2916, or e-mail info@furnituredetective.com. All items are also available directly from the
website, www.furnituredetective.com