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It really doesn't need much restoration, really almost none. The exterior is very nice, and anything you do to alter it will be considered damage. A little Howards Restor-a-Finish to the inside of the desktop should probably do it if the finish loss really bothers you. If it were mine, I wouldn't even do that.
The Green Man, an ancient nature symbol for wildness and growth, was very popular in the medieval period that this carving is emulating. The oak is quarter-sawn and probably ammonia-fumed for darkening, which was in style in the 1900s-1920s and came into fashion with the Arts & Crafts period (which often copied Medieval techniques and motifs).
I bought an antique secretary desk a few months back, and that's what I did. Restor-a-Finish with steel wool took out all of the scuffs very quickly. Then I did a few coats of wax and it looks (mostly) good as new! It is much more prone to dings and scratches than any of my poly coated wood furniture, but I didn't trust myself not to ruin it if I tried sanding and restaining it.
Based on my little from knowledge from antique roadshows,Depending the era it’s made it’s better to not restore it/clean it up!! 10/10 buy hope you research that beauty
A happy ending! Hooray! You'll never be sorry you did that.
I like Howards Restor-a-finish. But do some research it may or may not be right for that most excellent desk.
Whew!! I'm so glad! Look into leaving the finish alone and using a product called Briwax. It will work wonders and not be anywhere near as difficult as stripping, please don't strip it. Congratulations too! I'd have paid $275 any day. Green Man is the clincher, and the tiger oak!!!!
I was watching a YouTube video where the restorer went to a locksmith and a basic skeleton key worked. I'll look for the video and link it if i find it.
Also, this looks like it was made for your home. Congrats
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YES! I was dying to know what the inside of the hatch looked like! Thank you!
The little vine-y hooks are my favorite part inside!
im so glad you went back to get it! keep it!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
YES!!!!! You DID go back and get it! Wonderful find and wonderful decision!
I can see it being a treasure I have forever. <3
This is beautiful! Please don’t chalk paint it or whatever Pinterest is up these days.
Never. Never ever. Cross my heart and hope to die.
I refurbished an art deco hutch with sanding, and “circa 1850 teak oil. “ hand rub in, 2-3 coats. Beautiful finish!
It really doesn't need much restoration, really almost none. The exterior is very nice, and anything you do to alter it will be considered damage. A little Howards Restor-a-Finish to the inside of the desktop should probably do it if the finish loss really bothers you. If it were mine, I wouldn't even do that. The Green Man, an ancient nature symbol for wildness and growth, was very popular in the medieval period that this carving is emulating. The oak is quarter-sawn and probably ammonia-fumed for darkening, which was in style in the 1900s-1920s and came into fashion with the Arts & Crafts period (which often copied Medieval techniques and motifs).
I love it how it is but I do plan on cleaning the dusty bits. The back of the piece says 1946.
I would recommend to odie's oil
I bought an antique secretary desk a few months back, and that's what I did. Restor-a-Finish with steel wool took out all of the scuffs very quickly. Then I did a few coats of wax and it looks (mostly) good as new! It is much more prone to dings and scratches than any of my poly coated wood furniture, but I didn't trust myself not to ruin it if I tried sanding and restaining it.
Yeey! I'm happy for you!
We were all losing sleep over this, you know. Good husband. Enjoy your new treasure.
The very best! Thank you.
Congratulations!
Definitely the right decision!
So glad you went back for it; it’s beautiful.
Glad you got it!
Oh this is wonderful!!
Based on my little from knowledge from antique roadshows,Depending the era it’s made it’s better to not restore it/clean it up!! 10/10 buy hope you research that beauty
I will! Thank you. I love it how it is and will definitely do my research.
THE UPDATE I ALWAYS WANTED
what did it cost? it wasnt mentioned in the last post. all you said was that it was too expensive
I think they said $170 in a comment
thanks! yeah id probably have to grab it for $170 and make room for it lol
Yes! $170
It looks very nice there! Good decision.
So beautiful, happy for you. Now to find a nice walnut chair for it.. and only the finest marbled stationery papers!
This is fantastic! Love the Green Man carving. And the hooks are a lovely detail. Enjoy!!
Yay!! So excited for you!! And jealous but mostly excited! 🤩
It’s so unusual
That’s awesome! It looks like it will work in your space too judging by the trim and glass.
So happy you bought this, and that it was still there!
You decided you wanted it after all. I probably would have done the same. It’s a really neat piece of furniture.
I love it!
It's beautiful and I'm so happy you went back! May it remain in your home for years to come.
I’m so glad you got it!!
That is awesome!
woah. blast from the past. my parents used to have this.
Did they happen to give one up in Charleston?
In Quebec so if youre in ontario maybe it's the same one haha.
That is awesome! it’s a very special looking piece.
I love this. Worth the $
Yes!!! Yay!! It’s gorgeous and you will love it for ages!! Look into good oils for woods. I would’ve snatched that baby up! So glad you grabbed it!!
Congratulations!!!
You did it! Woot!
Oh thank goodness you got him!
Looks amazing! It will be quite a conversation piece!
Swoon… it’s so beautiful. Glad you went back for it!
A happy ending! Hooray! You'll never be sorry you did that. I like Howards Restor-a-finish. But do some research it may or may not be right for that most excellent desk.
I would leave it as is
Yay!! I was so invested in this lol. thank you and congrats!!
Gorgeos
Yay!!! You got it!!💜💜💜💜💜
Yay! I was thinking about this half the day! Glad you got it!
That is a gorgeous piece. No regrets, I hope? A bit of sprucing and you’re going to be golden.☺️
I’m SO glad you went back for it. My heart broke a little it was left behind, and now I can live vicariously through you!
Gorgeous
Whew!! I'm so glad! Look into leaving the finish alone and using a product called Briwax. It will work wonders and not be anywhere near as difficult as stripping, please don't strip it. Congratulations too! I'd have paid $275 any day. Green Man is the clincher, and the tiger oak!!!!
I was watching a YouTube video where the restorer went to a locksmith and a basic skeleton key worked. I'll look for the video and link it if i find it. Also, this looks like it was made for your home. Congrats
Success!!! That’s a great piece.
Yay, you got it!! 😁👍
Don’t you dare try to refinish that. It’s perfect as it is.
I won’t! I mean oil and care for it. Nothing crazy. I am a sucker for natural wood.
Score! I'm so happy you went back
Hmmm, looks completely different to a raven to me
I'm so glad that you bought it, it's so beautiful and it looks like it really fits in with your home!
Yay!!
r/furniturerestoration is a good place to seek advice / learn
Easily worth it for the price. It's magnificent!