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February, 2020 The Antique Shoppe Page 27
The desk has a great drawer. An inkwell and pen slot are on the top cover of the
Questions & drawer. It is branded with the Limbert name , the words arts and crafts, and Grand
Rapids on the inside of the drawer. Thanks for your help. Don and Adrienne K.
Hi folks - Nice to hear from you again. According to Christian Carron’s
Common Sense Answers 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
with Fred Taylor the oak of the period. Based on the description of the label I believe your desk
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.
Fumed finishes are very messy and somewhat dangerous so I don’t normally
I am looking for a phone chair that has a rose carved in the back of the
Q. chair part. I would like to know what era they are from and a technical recommend them. There are a number of links on the Internet with descriptions
name if you have one. I found a broken one and took it to a repairman and he of the process. You should have no trouble finding one. However, here is a
lost it (he says). I really want another one. I would appreciate any help you can link to a process that looks like fumed oak but uses no ammonia. Check it out.
give me. Thanks! Cathy B. http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Achieving_the_Fumed_Look.html
Cathy - The common name for a phone chair is a gossip bench. They He says he achieves great results using only water-based dye stain, store-
A. are from the Depression Era, 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. The rose carving bought oil-based pigment stain and a clear topcoat such as lacquer or shellac.
is a holdover stylistic element from the middle of the 19th century style Here is another formula by Jeff Jewitt, an acknowledged master of the subject.
Rococo Revival that was once again popular in the 20th century. I hope the http://www.woodcentral.com/bparticles/missionoak.shtml It is as good an
repairman has offered to reimburse you. Good luck. article as I have seen on the subject and I recommend the procedure.
The key is to practice on some scrap wood. You need to go to a cabinet
shop and get some drop pieces of white oak, quarter sawn if possible. Don’t
Dear Fred - I have a desk which we have loved for years while living use red oak or the color won’t be the same. Please let me know how you make
Q. in an 1895 house. However, now that we are in a circa 1763 house, out with the table. I would love to see “after” photos. Thanks.
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 about its value Send your comments, questions and pictures to me at PO Box 215, Crystal River, FL 34423 or email them to
or whether or not you feel it is likely to be of interest I would appreciate it. me at info@furnituredetective.com
Visit Fred’s website at www.furnituredetective.com and check out the downloadable “Common Sense
In these times of computer stations, I wonder if there are fewer of us who Antiques” columns in .pdf format. His book “HOW TO BE A FURNITURE DETECTIVE” is now available for
appreciate a fine writing desk??? Many thanks. Janet H. $18.95 plus $3.00 shipping. Send check or money order for $21.95 to Fred Taylor, PO Box 215, Crystal River,
FL 34423
Janet – Your desk is indeed a walnut Eastlake desk. But more Fred and Gail Taylor’s DVD, “IDENTIFICATION OF OLDER & ANTIQUE FURNITURE”, ($17.00 + $3.00 S&H)
A. importantly it is a are also available at the same address. For more information call (800) 387-6377 (9AM-4PM Eastern, M-F
cylinder desk, a desirable only), fax 352-563-2916, or e-mail info@furnituredetective.com. All items are also available directly from the
website, www.furnituredetective.com
form in the recent market.
Your desk appears to be from
around 1880-1885. The main
structure is solid 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 95 Geneva Dr., Oviedo, FL 32765
element in price. This desk Open 7 Days • Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 12-6pm
would be of great interest to
someone who collects the Central Florida’s Friendliest Antique Mall
late 19th century since it is Over 12,500 Sq.Ft. • 100+ Dealers for your shopping Pleasure
an excellent example of the Just in...huge selection of advertising memorabilia,
style. It would probably sell
at auction between $1,000 antique newspapers & magazines, photographs,
and $1,500. Your best bet is to and pin up pictures. Civil War - WWII.
consult a local auctioneer for
his opinion on how this style Primitives, Antiques & Collectibles of All Types
and period sells in your area. Highwaymen Paintings are our Specialty.
There are significant regional
differences in the prices paid This desk is referred to as “Eastlake” although its A few choice dealer spaces available.
for late Victorian furniture. namesake, Charles Locke Eastlake, did not design it or
Shop around before you sell. anything similar to it. Call for details.

Hello - Once again we are reaching out for your help. We found a www.oviedoantiquemall.com PH:407-366-3668
Q. Limbert desk in a garage sale. Unfortunately, it had been stripped oviedoantiquemall@gmail.com 866-824-9336
about 15 years ago and left in that state. Hubby wants to put a finish on it and Watch batteries installed $5 to $12 each by 40 year veteran watch
of course he cannot duplicate the old one and we cannot find out how to get and clockmaker. Full service clock repairs.
close to the look of the old oak finish. Would you have an idea or two that you Make Downtown Oviedo your All Day Antique Destination!
could share. 2 antique shops, (25,000 sq. ft.) & A thrift store within easy walking distance.
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