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Antiques & Collectibles

Antique/vintage dining table - any idea when it was made?

7 years ago

Hi,

My mom bought this table for me from Craigslist. I see no furniture stamps or markings to indicate the manufacturer. There is one captain's chair (pictured). The other chairs are armless. Any idea of when this table and chairs might have been made? Any tips as to how to find the manufacturer? Thanks for any guidance!

Featured Answer

jemdandy

7 years ago

The double leg feature at the corners of the table is interesting.

By the way,what a nice mother.

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Comments (14)

Hilary Truchan
Original Author
7 years ago
She is! Thank you! :)
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Thanks for the responses. I'm hesitant to cover up the existing top because it has so much character, but I will look into the plexiglass. I spoke to my glass people and they said they could anchor it into the piece, but it would add a few hundred dollars to the cost of the glass. I'm assuming that it would be removable as another option raised was gluing the glass to the top (I'm not sold on this as it would make it impossible to clean underneath). The workbench is actually too short! It is an unusual one as it is much wider and a bit shorter than the usual antiques I see. It will be raised to be about 30 1/2" high including the glass before I bring it home. I would have actually preferred a tall one to put counter height bar stools with. My current standard height table is the perfect height for my dog to rest his head on and watch me eat. I've sat at the workbench with a standard chair and the clearance to the shelf is only a little tight without the added 3". I'll measure again to see if it will meet 13" with the glass. The shelf can be removed with a little elbow grease, but for now I like it. Thanks!
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User
7 years ago
1930s or 1940s, probably some wood stained to look like mahogany. It looks well-kept and still stylish. Those chair seats would be easy to recover.

If there is no manufacturer's name stamped on it anywhere, you are out of luck. There were dozens of manufacturers, some making "house brand" for department stores, some selling to independent furniture stores or chains.
Hilary Truchan
Original Author
7 years ago
From my googling, it seems to be a federal style table. I found that those were originally from the early 1800's, were they again popular in the 1930's-1940's?

I would love if someone could identify the wood for me. Should I try and take more pictures of the grain? I think someone refinished only the top of the table and it has more of a cherryish tone than the sides and the chairs so I need to remedy that in the near future. Thanks!
Hilary Truchan
Original Author
7 years ago
This description was so helpful (I am a novice) - http://www.connectedlines.com/styleguide/style11.htm
User
7 years ago
Yes, Hilary. "Colonial" style furniture was VERY popular in the 30s and 40s. "Mahogany" furniture whether real or veneered or stained to look like mahogany. There's a lot out there to buy as well.
Hilary Truchan
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you for your help. I am hoping it is not veneer since I want to refinish the top.
Fori
7 years ago
It's probably veneer (no shame in that--it's how you get a lovely uninterrupted piece of grain) but can be carefully refinished. Lots of stripper, very little sanding. You might be able to just touch it up instead...

It's a great style!
Hilary Truchan
Original Author
7 years ago
Very good tip. Thank you Fori. I want to refinish the top because I believe that someone refinished just the top previously and chose poorly on the stain. The top is more of a cherry finish with a lot of shine and everything else is more walnut and more dull. It is not SUPER obvious but is noticeable and bothersome.
lindac92
7 years ago
Federal style is not "colonial".
I agree, most likely 1940's...perhaps even 50's.
I think it's probably mahogany....and certainly the top is veneer.
Wood changes color over the years when exposed to light. If that table spent much time in a room with florescent lights, it may well have lightened.
Errant_gw
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
The difference in color could be due to a buildup of Pledge or the like. I'm pretty sure that's what's wrong with mine.
Hilary Truchan
Original Author
7 years ago
Went online to see how to remove pledge buildup. Most recommendations were to wipe/scrub the table with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water. I did that and the table top completely repelled any water while the chairs did not so either a different finish on them or a pledge buildup. After cleaning, the table does look better but there is still definitely a difference in color. I'm thinking then that the top was refinished. Any thoughts - yay or nay? Thanks!
lindac92
7 years ago
Good heavens!...Don't wash any nice furniture with vinegar water!
Pledge doesn't "build up". If it has been polished with the old formula pledge, which contained silicone, the silicone bonds with the finish and makes it repel water....as well as repel any subsequent finish you might apply. And short of removing all the finish and sanding the wood ( not good for a veneered top!) there is no way to remedy it.
I am guessing the table has been refinished and the top coated with polyurethane....and polished with a silicone polish.
Enjoy it as it is!
And in the future, a wipe with mineral spirits removes any wax build-up. But Pledge is not a wax....and won't build up.
Hilary Truchan
Original Author
7 years ago
Ahhhh!!!! I clearly have no idea what I'm doing!! I ordered a book last night called "The Furniture Bible." Hoping I'll learn quite a bit that will help for this piece, other pieces I have, and future pieces! Thanks

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