No nails?
by
StJay
+18
I have spent hours delicately removing old paint between the lines of the carved roses design to this piece. I still have the side and back designs to do. This piece has no nails, no screws either? and unfortunately no dovetails either. The legs, sides, front/back, drawer and top surface have been glued together. Does this say that it might be an antique or newer than I would like it to be? Thanks for your help
15 answers
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How heavy is it? does it feel like it is solid wood? Any printing on the underside?
Irish53
on Nov 15, 2014
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Glued joints is a good indication that it may be a genuine antique. Most antique furniture was held together with hide glue.
AvonelleRed
on Nov 15, 2014
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Hi, thank you for your help. It is heavy,very sturdy. Unfortunately no printing or writing anywhere.
StJay
on Nov 16, 2014
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Thank for your encouraging comment. It was glued together very well because I don't see any trace of extra glue on the surfaces.
StJay
on Nov 16, 2014
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People used to take pride in their work---some still do---looks like you will have a gorgeous piece when you are done---
Jan
on Nov 16, 2014
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Beautiful piece!
Kim
on Nov 16, 2014
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I just checked my only true antique- a vanity that has been in my family for 5 generations, and the drawer does slide out. There are no dovetails. Regardless, you have a beautiful piece!
Terri J
on Nov 16, 2014
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Have you tried a toothbrush dipped in mineral spirits to remove the paint from the ornate areas? No experience with it here...just an idea.
Joanne Kinlaw
on Nov 16, 2014
- See 1 previous
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Antique or not, it is a gorgeous piece. If glued, most likely a antique.
Sue Scully
on Nov 16, 2014
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If this piece is an antique, by removing all of the patina the value has decreased considerable as a collectable. Take some pictures of the sides you have not stripped as well as the side you have and possibly send them to a antique dealer to get some additional information. Regardless the piece is beautiful and will make a wonderful addition to your home.
Josie Rogalski
on Nov 16, 2014
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Paint is not patina-patina is the finish that develops over time on certain wood and metal. Just as some old painted things are better left old painted things,some things are acceptable to refinish and some not, that wasn't even her question. I just did a brief search and could find no info on antiques only glued..
Wendy Johnson
on Nov 16, 2014
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Wanda Faux Australia Do you know what wood your piece is made from? This could help with your research. Happy hunting :-)
Wanda Faux
on Nov 16, 2014
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If you can find an old nut pick or a dental pick, it will help get the paint out of the very bottom of the grooves! I used an old nut pick on a Jenny Lynn type bed that had been painted! This will be a very loved piece once you get it cleaned up!
Jeanette S
on Nov 17, 2014
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Your piece is most likely modern, a high quality copy but not very valuable. Do what you want to your prize. Enjoy!
Denise Rankin
on Nov 17, 2014
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Your piece may have been put together with wooden pins something like dowels pins.
Joy Derouen
on Nov 17, 2014
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