Showing 241–256 of 759 results

RESTORATION – Not for sale

Restoration of a 20th century retro rosewood sideboard.

Five after photos, then three before.

We couldn’t work out exactly what had been applied to the lacquered finish to make such a patchy mess.

Heavily cleaned back, removing all damages and paint spots.

Re french polish, colour damage during process, cut back and wax finish.

Very happy customer!

First quarter 18th century English oak gate-leg table.

The two plank rectangular central top, with two, two plank drop sides.
Having a fine scratch mould 1cm from plain edge.
One end skirt having a later replaced or rebuilt 19th century drawer, with a brass handle.
The base with graceful cotton-reel legs, joined by bobbin-turned stretchers.
Fantastic overall deep oak colours and patination.

C.1720

H.72cm   W.112cm  D.55cm

Opened:  W.142cm   D.112cm

Perfect as a dining table for small space.
Opened out or against the wall with one leaf opened.
Both leaves dropped as a hall or sofa table.
Or one leaf lifted, to display food and drinks.
Above: five framed early 19th century Redouté hand coloured copper engravings,
from my private collection, now selling.

19th century French marble top occasional, corner, lamp table.

The circular, moulded top, resting on a deep blue, gold decorated shell carved painted base.
On a long slight cabriole legend angled pad-foot.

C.1890   H.72cm  Dia.72cm

Perfect piece to place between armchairs or sofas, with a lamp and framed photo of me.

Also would suit a bay window.

Also displayed,
Stunning 19th century Masons jug.
19th century English salt glazed jug.
Framed ‘Narcissus’ bursting from its splash, Thornton.
Published London, August 1 1808.

An unusual 19th Century French Fruitwood, Burr Elm and Oak Dough bin.

An unusual 19th Century French Fruitwood, Burr Elm and Oak Dough bin

The Fruitwood two plank sliding top, above a Burr Elm panelled base, above a well carved darkened Oak base.

Having solid Burr Elm panels. Resting on a long slight cabriole leg.

C. 1850

H. 75cm W. 121cm D. 58cm

RESTORATION – Not for sale

Restoration of an unusual 19th century French Amboyna Burl cylinder-top writing desk

Before and after photos.
We had great pleasure in restoring this piece.
Eddies perfect kingwood cross-banding, amboyna veneer and satinwood stringing inlay patching.
My colouring and french polishing, Jack cut back and waxing.

Very happy customers!

RESTORATION – Not for sale

20th century oak sideboard

Fresh out of restoration from an unattractive chocolate colour with tiny steel handles to this.

We rarely strip, but in this case nothing to save, so hand strip, no sanding, mix a bitumen based stain, re polish, cut back and built a wax finish.

RESTORATION – Not for sale

A recent private restoration job.

Beautiful last quarter 19th century French oak rotating desk chairThe last photo shows before restoration.

Several patches and re carving, re gluing, removed the later varnished dark surface to reveal a very red raw oak.

Refused to sand or bleach, made up a green base stain that removed much of the red, a very old trick.
Re french polished, coloured in repairs, cut back and wax finished.
Craig Howell, upholsterer, removed the original pressed leather seat and reupholstered the chair to finish this wonderful job.

Eddie, cabinet maker, completed the repairs and carving. Also the ball bearings lubricated and running well.

19th century revival of a George III long demi lune mahogany side/hall table.

They didn’t make them this narrow in the 18th century. Much shorter and deeper.
This was made to suit the narrow Victorian hallways.

19th century English mahogany demi lune hall table. The bowed single plank, reeded-mould top, above a narrow x-banded skirt,
having a single figured mahogany central drawer, with ebony stringing and later but appropriate circular brass plate,
ring handles, covering where the wooded turned handles originally sat. With faux drawers to each side.
Resting on turned tapered legs.

Good overall colour and patination.

H.70cm
W.99cm
D.48cm

C.1870

A private purchase last week. Originally purchased from John Wilson Antiques 1990s.

Hanging above, ‘Narcissus bursting from its Spatha’ 1808.
By Robert John Thornton.
Hand coloured copper engraving,
London August 1, 1808.

19th century French Oak miniature coffer

The rectangular central panelled hinged moulded top
Above a matching panelled front
Having the original lock and key
Resting on a miniature bracket style foot

This piece was in our front living room the last twenty years, housing remotes, many wine glasses and coffee cups rested on the top.

After selling our family house, I simply can’t hold on to everything, so selling many pieces from my private collection.

H.34cm
W.51cm
D.29cm

Rest in peace, Geoff Fiske.

This morning I farewelled an old friend and business associate.

Geoff Fiske was my first antique dealer customer when I started my restoration business in my garage in Footscray in the 80s.
Geoff introduced me to John Ainger, E.J. Ainger Auctions.
Between them both they assisted my business by referring me to their customers to restore their furniture purchased at auction.
The shop I’m still in 32 years later, I opened three doors from Fiske Antique Galleries, Geoff’s shop.
Geoff Recommended I move from the suburbs into a larger workshop also having a shop to trade from.
Made great sense, as the rent was $50 more per week than the house I rented with my then newly wed first wife.
Geoff taught me a lot about exotic timbers and the correct terminologies to describe.
Also ceramics and objet d art.
Especially the complete meaning of the term Circa.
John Ainger gave the most suited eulogy for Geoff. John’s a true gentleman, as was Geoff.
Was also nice seeing associates I haven’t seen in a long time.

Rest In Peace Geoffery Fiske
& thank you for your friendship and support ✨

Window display night shots

Finally leaving my showroom this evening. Thought I’d make myself even later by taking a few window photos.

Why not hey?

I’m selling a beautiful harlequin set of 18th century English elm country Hepplewhite dining chairs for a customer, so popped one into my window.

The incredible beauty of 240 years of patina shining in my window is worth staying back for.

More past Yew wood sales

Thought I’d create a few posts on beautiful yew wood pieces I’ve sold over the past few decade’s.

These are the only two yew wood chests I’ve had in over thirty years trading. Extremely rare.

Purchased both in UK 15 and 20 years ago.

Those who know me, know of my memory problem, due to an accident 28 years ago.
I have a short term memory.
However, every one of these wonderful pieces, I know who purchased, what they paid and where they sit in their beautiful homes.
For these memories I’m ever so grateful ❤️

A rare mid 18th Century English yew wood chest of drawers.

The plank top with moulded edge above an oak brushing slide, and two small over three long moulded drawers with later but appropriate brasses, resting on shaped bracket feet.

Note: The back boards and framework are also of yew wood, this is very unusual.

C.1760

H. 2′ 11″ – 88.5 cm
W. 3′ – 92.5 cm
D. 1′ 8″ – 50 cm