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Chair Restoration & Ottomon - Before Restoration - Frame By Artisans of the Valley Upholstery by Browns & Sons of Pennington, NJ Conservation Services
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This set is an outstanding example of the craftsmanship and artistic work in design, construction, carving, and finishing available at the turn of the 20th century. This 1904 complete set (#1237) was purchased from the floor of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904 after winning a grand prize in its category by our client's grandfather. It remained in their family from that day.

1905 Catalog Image from Nelson-Matter Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, MI1905 Catalog Image from Nelson-Matter Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, MI

This set was the "sample" or model set photographed by Nelson-Matter Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, MI for their 45th annual catalog published in 1905. our client's grandfather and passed down through the family. It is obvious that those who created this set did so with the intention using it to show off their skills and their product line.

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Carving Detail Restoration CompleteCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Carving Detail Swan Closeup Restoration CompleteCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Carving Detail Mirror Carving Restration Complete

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Carving Detail Scrollwork & Acanthus Leaves Closeup Restoration CompleteCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Carving Detail Acanthus Leaf Restoration Complete

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Carving Detail Turning and Tulip Carving Closeup Restoration Complete

This prized family heirloom consisting of a dresser, bureau, vanity, sleigh bed, standing mirror, and three mounted mirror frames was maintained in functional use until an unfortunate event brought vandalism to the family's home.

The set suffered the destruction of several drawers, several of the hand carved swans snapped, and multiple general blows. Given it was already over 100 years old, the line was crossed and a full restoration was in order.

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration - Dresser Before RestorationCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Carving Detail Swan Mirror Frame Before Restoration

The most significant damage the set suffered was the break shown above, almost centered on one of the main dresser drawers. Keeping in mind this entire set is matched flame mahogany veneer, replacing the drawer is impossible to achieve without a spotlight focused on a most obvious inappropriate part.

Restoration of this awkward shatter was a tedious affair, but in the end it was reduced to what could be a natural grain line in the wood. Those who know where it was, know it's a repair, those passing by without looking will never know it was broken.

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Closeup Dresser Drawer Before Restoration

Restoration had to include the reassembly of the drawer with a new case, but the original front.

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Closeup Dresser Drawer After Restoration

Combined with the standard effects of time and use, the set had a few missing toes, all the drawer joints were loose, various sections of veneer were separating, an array of dings and dents from vacuums and other common mishaps.

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration In Progress - DresserCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration In Progress - Dresser SideCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration In Progress - Dresser with Mirror

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Complete - DresserCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Dresser Front Angle View Complete

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Dresser Front View Complete

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Bureau In Progress Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Bureau In Progress w/ MirrorCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Bureau Complete

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration - Sleigh Bed Complete HeadboardCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration - Sleigh Bed Complete

The original finish was deteriorated due to inconsistent exposure to light, use, and environmental conditions. The decision was made to refinish the set, rebuilding a hand rubbed shellac as the original craftsmen did in 1904. As this set is collectable, not a true antique, refinishing is an appropriate restoration method. The result will be a consistent appearance, closer to its look and feel on the showroom floor.

Several toes were missing, and the layers of material separating at the glue joints. Replacing the toes and finishing the separations, then reattaching the appliques and detailed sections rehabilitated the hand carved ball-and-claw feet.

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Carving Detail Ball & Claw Foot Closeup In ProgressCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Carving Detail Ball & Claw Foot and Rossette Closeup In ProgressCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration Carving Detail Ball & Claw Foot Closeup In Progress

One of the vanity drawers suffered destruction in the vandal's attack. The result shattered both sides and the bottom; leaving the face and the back pieces intact. The drawer was rebuilt with new sides.

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration - Vanity In ProgressCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration - Vanity Drawer

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration - Vanity Base Complete

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration - Mirror Frame In Progress DisassembledCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration - Mirror Frame Reassembled and SwansCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration - Mirror Frame Complete

Circa 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration - Mirror Frame CompleteCirca 1904 Mahogany Bedroom Set Restoration - Mirror Frame Complete Closeup


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Artisans of the Valley
Hand Crafted Custom Woodworking

Stanley D. Saperstein
Eric M. Saperstein
Our studio and showrooms are open by appointment.
Please call ahead so we don't miss you!
(609) 637-0450

Fax (609) 637-0452

e-mail: woodworkers@artisansofthevalley.com
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