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. 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.
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.
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.
Beautiful Yew wood pieces, sold over the years. Thought I’d create a few posts on beautiful yew wood pieces I’ve sold over the past few decade’s. Those who know me, know of my memory problem, due to an accident 28 years ago. I have a short term memory.
A rare pair of 18th Century yew wood Gothic Windsor elbow chairs Thought I’d create a few posts on beautiful yew wood pieces I’ve sold over the past few decade’s. I’ll start with these magnificent rare 18th century English Gothic windsor elbow chairs. I sold these to a wonderful woman in her late 70s back in 2006. She still enjoys them every day. Such joy they have brought to her life…
Rare 18th Century oak wine table – Isle of Man After much deliberation, I’ve decided to sell a few very special pieces I’ve had at home the past 20 or more years. This magnificent wine table is one. I simply cannot house everything I’d like to. Stock AA0785
Rare mid century Italian Murano pink and clear glass chandelier, of smaller proportions. Restored and re wired. H:60cm with chain and cup 1m Dia: 50cm Note: can be raised or lowered to suit.. Surprisingly, the majority of chandeliers I import, still retain the original French globes. Once restored and placed into my showroom or customers home, the majority of globes are still working. Remarkable! Photographed by, Russell Winnell Photography.
A decorative 20th Century French ‘Coquette’ limited edition bronze folding mirror – Signed Erte A signed decorative 20th Century French bronze ‘Coquette’ sculptured limited edition bronze folding mirror. ‘Coquette’ – a mid 17th Century French word meaning a woman who flirts in a mirror. Signed Erte (1892 – 1990) Impressed C. 1985 R K PARKER # 213 / 250 H: 39 cm W: 63 cm
A Rare French retro fibreglass sealed fabric centre table, in Autumn tones with birds and foliage. Below the circular top reveals the falling fabric continuing on to form the base. Provenance: The table was selected by notable decorator Colin Bowman when both Madame Verna and he travelled to America for the furnishing of Verbu Lodge in early 1982. This table is a one off. H.73cm Dia.124cm AA1868
Restoration of German Terrestrial Globe Taking apart, removing old glues, packing the interior for stability, re-glueing and holding glues together. Then watercoloring the damages out. Wonderful outcome.
A Rare Large 19th Century English Wedgewood Black Basalt Bowl Shining on an 18th century English Oak low dresser. Displaying attractive mandarins. 42×8.5cm
Pierre Vandel – Paris – Polished brass and bevelled glass display shelves. Not for sale – Sharing this beautiful item from my home. The old Green or Blue Trick? I like the green vase more, but think the blue suits? I suppose I’m lucky to have such a decision to make!