restoration

Restored Dresser

This was my Grandparents turn-of-the Century Oval Mirror Dresser. I remember it in their house in the 50's and 60's. The hardware is original. A little cleaning and it looks almost new. Restoration was completed October 2004.
- KC7CN
- Media item
- Feb 14, 2007
- antique dresser restoration
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- Album: Oval-Mirror Dresser Restoration
Damaged Top - Ink Spots

And now for "The rest of the story". The dark spots on the top look like ink. The discolored wood is soft, and the discoloration is very deep in the wood. I believe this is why Grandma used the dark varnish! My only recourse was to make a new top.
- KC7CN
- Media item
- Feb 14, 2007
- antique dresser restoration
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- Album: Oval-Mirror Dresser Restoration
Wood Carving

Note how heavy the old varish is. A lot of my Grandparents furniture had the same old dark color. My Aunt told me this was how they did spring cleaning; Grandma just put on another coat of varnish.
- KC7CN
- Media item
- Feb 14, 2007
- antique dresser restoration
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- Album: Oval-Mirror Dresser Restoration
Oval Mirror

This is the original bevel glass oval mirror. You can see the black streaks where the silver has worn off during the years, but that just adds more character!
- KC7CN
- Media item
- Feb 14, 2007
- antique dresser restoration
- Comments: 0
- Album: Oval-Mirror Dresser Restoration
Before Restoration

There was a purpose for the old dark varnish - I'll explain later! This is what the dresser looked like when I was a growing up. I can still see it in Grandma & Grandpa's bedroom. Stripping this old varish was not fun! What was fun however, was the time spent thinking about my...
- KC7CN
- Media item
- Feb 14, 2007
- antique dresser restoration
- Comments: 0
- Album: Oval-Mirror Dresser Restoration