It says "reclaimed" so it's not actually an antique, I suspect? A split back like that is very common, because they used thin wide boards back in the day, and they invariably split as they dried out. So I'd leave it as-is - it's called character! Nice piece, great price, by the way!

I don't really care whether it's antique or not. Was just wondering what people thought. Do you think it's one of those Made in Mexico HomeGoods pieces?

Since the only photo linked is dark, slightly out of focus and from about ten feet away, there's no way to tell. Without decent close up photos which show the joinery used (eg what kind of dovetailing is on the drawer sides? etc), it's impossible to offer a definitive opinion.

There were several photos in the ad... a couple show dovetail joinery. Antique or not, it looks like a pretty, well-made piece for a great price.

just because they call it reclaimed doesn't mean it is. It looks like many vintage pieces made in a primitive style; perhaps the back was replaced at some point...it could have originally been a built-in with the back being attached to the wall, then the reclaimed wood added to the back when it was pulled off the wall.

The exact wording is “chest and hutch constructed with reclaimed pine. Mortise and tenon, dovetail craftsmanship” which would imply a newer piece made with old wood. It’s very crudely done, hence the primitive vibe. Also, the back isn’t actually split - it’s two separate boards.

I do wonder if it was used as a practice piece as the first picture appears a different finish than the last picture. Also the two doors at the bottom of the first piece appear missing in the later pictures. The columns along side the doors are different than the final piece. Nice but not for that price.

The second picture shows the upper part (hutch) only. I don't see any missing doors.

I asked the seller about some more info.

nosoccermon look at the bottom portion not the top.

Glad you reached out to seller with your questions! There is no reason to think there is more than one piece of furniture or anything missing. Definitely not the greatest overall shot, but the color discrepancy can probably be attributed to different lighting conditions (back lit).

elunia now diagram the one where the top doors are open along with the one with the drawer that is open paying particular attention to area below those areas.

This is too funny! I feel like it’s a Rorschach test or the Rubin’s vase where each person sees something different! What am I missing?

Look at pictures two and three and compare to original. Not on my normal computer. You may need to scroll down to see the other pictures.

Um...I think it looks kind of trashy. Faux antique.

:)

Sorry!

I agree I wouldn’t give it house room at any price. It’s very poorly made- those dovetail joints are very crude and on an authentic antique you would not see them on the outside of a piece. Give it a swerve.

I would be all over that....$100? The split will disappear when it gets up against a wall....and it it still bothers you put a piece of masking tape over it on the back so light doesn't shine through.....and once you get things in it, you won't see it at all.

Yes....faux antique....but a well made piece and if you can use a cupboard and the primitive look fits your scenario....go for it!!

$100??? Wow!!

Still hesitating because it may be a bit too primitive. Here's another pic. Seller says he thinks it's

from a store nearby that sells pine repros and real antiques. Gotta say that I don't see what maifleur sees. As far as I can tell, there's only one picture that shows the bottom doors.

I agree the price is right! Is it is easy to go and check it out in person? Where are you thinking of using it? It all comes down to style of the room it’s going in.

It's about 20 mins from me. Initially I thought dining room, but now I'm thinking my office? It just looks too much like kitchen.

How about this one? It looks more substantial and less kitchen like.

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/atq/d/english-pine-hutch/6772746907.html

Yes, the first one is more suited to a farmhouse kitchen or casual family room. Could probably work in your office too. This one is a higher price point. Not sure about “antique” though, would need to see more detailed photos. Its definitely not as rustic. Note: knobs have been replaced. I would ask seller for more info.

Should I ask for pics of the drawers and the back? And agree that the knobs are an aberration (which however, might indicate that someone put them on much, much later --- i.e. not bought recently at Homegoods. I think the price could be negotiated because stuff like that doesn't sell that fast here in my neck of the woods.

Since the second is advertised as being an English antique, you could ask for proof of the provenance.

And can I just say how jealous I am of your CL? Mine stinks!

Here they both are so folks don’t have to go back and forth:

I like the first piece better. It's in better condition, and has nice scale. The second one ain't English, it's been badly stripped, and I suspect that when it's moved it may fall apart. And the price is extortionate. JMHO - always interesting to compare! I agree with whoever said you have a great CL, sigh.

The second piece has been messed with....those doors on the bottom? Look at the side view....there was something on the bottom of the top piece....and it has had new knobs and the hols not filled well....and for the general style it should have paned glass doors....and there is somesort of block? thing at the corners of the foot?
The firs is better....On the second the whole front part is wrong....AND it's $500!
Go get the first....if you find something you like better you will have no problems selling it for what you paid....and more.

Yes, I see what you mean. Thanks so much!

I think the second one hasn't so much been messed with as it's been gradually downgraded in the household hierarchy until it's ended up in a barn and used for storing bird seed or similar. This happens to authentic country pieces ALL the time, and it's what gives them character. It also used to make them extra valuable; now, not so much. People prefer faux-rusticated faux-aged imported tat, or First Dibs type perfection, neither being particularly practical for daily life for many of us.

I may have to see them in person.