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.

Notes On Restoring The 1880s Gingerbread Rocking Chair

August 10, 2013

At first the chair seemed solid. But there was some flex…then I noticed the nail heads…then the splits/cracks in the seat at the joints. Okay, it had to come apart. The owner said yes, do it really right.

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.