Can anyone tell me something about this unusual chest/table???

Susan
by Susan
I bought this chest/table at a recent auction because of its unusual shape. I have never seen anything like it and would like to know any information anyone can offer. It is very heavy solid wood in great shape. It is the height or a normal side table, 3 drawers in front and painted all around. I don't like the colors and plan to refinish it when inspiration strikes.
  20 answers
  • Janet Janet on Oct 30, 2015
    These types of reproduction tables were very popular in the 90's. Just paint it in your colors and you have something great!
  • Gladys Gladys on Oct 30, 2015
    What a cute little table/chest to play with! I'm guessing it was meant to be a take on French provencial or Louis. Usually curved wood like this is called bombe' and please post how it comes out!
  • Bill Robinson Bill Robinson on Oct 30, 2015
    Before you refinish, you should try to determine if it is indeed a reproduction and not a valuable antique. Refinishing would ruin any antique value.
    • See 1 previous
    • Bill Robinson Bill Robinson on Oct 30, 2015
      Did you get my second answer? I don't see it anywhere. Let me know. If not, I will try to remember what I said. Had to do with identifying the maker and period of manufacturing. Look on bottom, back and bottom of drawers then Google any info you get. Also Google Terry Novel. Husband and wife team write a Sunday paper column on antiques. You could email them for professional help identifying your unique piece. Looks like French Provincial to me, but that is only a guess. Good luck.
  • Z Z on Oct 30, 2015
    It looks to me too like small furniture pieces that were sold in the last couple decades at places like TJMaxx, Marshal's and the like. Many were a combination of wood and MDF. Mostly MDF. You'll know more what you have when you strip the paint. It has great potential with it's cute shape and drawers for storage. I think it would look great in silver leaf with glass knobs.
  • Susan Susan on Oct 30, 2015
    I might agree except it is too heavy (I am pretty sure it is solid wood) and has construction qualities of good furniture (dove tail drawers)
    • See 1 previous
    • Gladys Gladys on Nov 02, 2015
      @Katrina Warren So true.
  • Bill Robinson Bill Robinson on Oct 30, 2015
    I think that might be a French Provincial style? Just a guess. Look on the bottom, back and drawer bottoms for any identifying marks or labels. Then you can check the internet for info on manufacturers and maybe get lucky and get a date it was made. Also, there is a column in our Sunday paper by a couple named Novel, Terry and ?. They answer questions. A photo would make it easy for experts like them. Nice piece of furniture and it would be a shame to ruin it. Good luck.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 30, 2015
    I would just for your own sake take a photo and go to a antique dealer to seek any information about the piece just in case it is of value.
  • Susan Susan on Oct 30, 2015
    Good suggestion - I'll do that.
  • Judy Blick Judy Blick on Oct 30, 2015
    I have one just like it. Purchased under $150. several years ago and yes it is heavy and no it is not a antique. I enjoyed it at the time, but think I will repaint.
  • Paticia G Paticia G on Oct 31, 2015
    It looks like a variation of a Bombay Chest
  • Shonda Thornhill Shonda Thornhill on Oct 31, 2015
    It's a reproduction, not an antique (probably from the 90's) and is probably made to resemble a painted Biedermeier style round end table. It would look nice paired with a bombe' chest.
  • Linda Linda on Oct 31, 2015
    I have matching tables. There were three styles of this cabinet sold at Home Goods around 2005. Not an antique...just a reproduction.
  • Celia W Shell Celia W Shell on Oct 31, 2015
    Looks like it is one of Pulaski Furniture piecesI have a big chest of drawers and Curio cabinet of that design and looks like a match
  • Mks1959456 Mks1959456 on Oct 31, 2015
    Yup, I have one too.....Original price tag on mine over 400 is handpainted.
  • Kay2512000 Kay2512000 on Oct 31, 2015
    I have a jewelry box my husband bought me for our first christmas together 47 years ago. Same colors. Stands about 12" tall with 3 drawers, and plays music. I don't know the song. What fun it would be to have teaching night stands.
  • Brenda S Brenda S on Oct 31, 2015
    I have one similar that I bought at T.J.Maxx a few years back. It's very pretty and very heavy but it does NOT have dove tail drawers.
  • Trish Lally Trish Lally on Oct 31, 2015
    If the drawers are real; use them to store small items; headbands, socks, keepsake items etc.
  • Duv310660 Duv310660 on Nov 01, 2015
    Yep, it's part of a stylistic meme; I believe of 1700's French as re-invented by the Victorians...
  • Shonda Thornhill Shonda Thornhill on Nov 01, 2015
    I found it online. It is still in production. They are hand painted so each has a different type of flower but it is a floral theme. http://guide.alibaba.com/shop/hammary-hidden-treasures-3-drawer-round-accent-chest_30176955.html
  • Susan Susan on Nov 01, 2015
    Thanks Shonda -- Now I feel great about the price I paid ($30) and my intent to paint it (probably silver or glazed teal). I appreciate everyone's input!
    • Shonda Thornhill Shonda Thornhill on Nov 02, 2015
      @Susan -you're welcome. If ever in doubt, seal the piece with water based polyurethane then use a chalk or latex paint. I've done that with antique armoires and gateleg tables, etc that I want to change. Easy enough to remove but it looks great.