hmm - I'm bad with matching up the styles to the dates - but at a glance? it's old enough, and the work is detailed enough, to interest the staff at Lacis.com, who are the heavy in to the old flower work : )

If you are still looking for information about this piece. It is at least 100 years old. The Southern Furniture Company was bought in 1910. It went out of business in 1919. The origins of this manufacturing facility began as a buggy maker under different owners. The factory no longer stands, as most things Atlanta are constantly reinventing and rejuvenating. Atlanta was also home to barrels made for Standard Oil at one point. The abundance of seasoned timber, and railroad facilities created a sizable economy in the Mean Street district of Atlanta.

You have inspired me. This is now my next project (after the bathroom is finished). I have always thought this piece was ratty looking but it served a purpose in our bedroom. The cat sleeps on top and the TV is there also. I also use it to keep my office papers. Thanks to you it will soon have a new look. I just checked it out a bit and noticed that the drawers are dovetailed but could not find a manufacture's name. Do you know who made yours?

If you want to use a chemical product, then I like EZ Way because you don't have to clean up with a separate product or with water. It does not contain methylene chloride. But it stinks to high heaven and can almost only be used outdoors. There are several "natural" type strippers that have little odor - Organic strip is one I can get locally - and require water clean-up. Those work, but usually more slowly. I'm not sure if removing polyurethane vs. other finishes poses special challenges. If you have a heat gun, you might see whether that works, but obviously watch carefully for fire risk. I agree a cabinet scraper is an excellent tool to use, just on the dry piece. I will warn that your ability to use it well depends on your ability to sharpen it properly. But I suspect you'll need one of the other methods. And if you are softening the finish somehow, then a pull scraper can be the best for removal. And lots of 3M pads and paper towels! I have done a lot of stripping, and have never yet sanded to remove finish. That is just a way to create dust. There is a lot of discussion about stripping paint on the old house forum, and maybe here too. KarinL