The Mystery Corner Cupboard

November 25, 2014

Somewhere in the Philadelphia area, near the close of the Revolutionary War, in the heady early days of the United States of America, a cabinetmaker was commissioned to make a Mahogany corner cupboard in the style of Thomas Chippendale.

No Longer a Pile of Loose Pieces

September 04, 2013

Today I took the last steps to make sure that all the repaired and prepared pieces fit together well.

Restoration Of 1880s Maple Rocking Chair w/ Caned Seat & Back

July 31, 2013

This is a classic exuberant 1880’s mid-Victorian Eastlake rocking chair. Design wise, it was not a subdued age, but don’t confuse that with poor quality. This chair was made of solid hard maple throughout. Not just any maple, but obviously carefully selected quilted/tiger stripe/birds eye maple for the back uprights. Beautiful. The “gingerbread” — extra spool turnings here, there, all over — weren’t just for show, but tended to strengthen the chair. It was made to use, and last, a long time. And it did, already now well into its 2nd century.

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