Page 35 - Feb BNP ALL
P. 35
Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com www.TheCatoctinBanner.com The Catoctin Banner Newspaper October 2016 Page 35

Tr nket “I found this at the Emmitsburg Antique Mall about a year and a
half ago. Inside the cabinet are adjustable shelves. The design on
Treas re the doors is wood inlay. I know nothing about it and can’t find any
marks anywhere. The hinges are loose and the back shows some
by Lisa C. Cantwell water damage, but I absolutely love it. I paid $175 for it. It looks like
the drawer and legs are hand-carved too. Hoping you can tell me
Owner of Coal Black Horse Antiques and a Maryland state- something about it. Thanks.”
licensed antique dealer — Lisa D. Bell, Emmitsburg

Dear Reader: This is a column to help you determine the history and value of your heirlooms, attic finds, Your TREASURE is a cabinet on
flea market purchases or antique items. Please send a picture and description of your piece, such as how stand. Although your piece is likely
you acquired it and any details about its history to tomandlisa@wildblue.net I’ll research any item, whether 19th century, these box-like cabinets
it’s a piece of furniture or a painting, tool, doll, figurine, or an article of clothing. An approximate value were fashionable at the end of the
will be determined to inform you if it’s a “Trinket or Treasure.” Please submit all pictures and questions 17th century. They were often used
by the preceding 15th the month for possible publication in the next monthly issue of The Catoctin Banner. to store treasures and keepsakes
All inquiries will be answered, however only those selected for publication will include approximate value for the bride-to-be. Some started
assessments. Furthermore, not all submissions may be published in the Banner due to space considerations. as chests and were later perched
Please include your name or initials and where you reside. Thank you and happy treasure hunting! on a stand. From the photo you
provided, I’m guessing from the
“I recently got this dresser from my grandfather. It’s not in the greatest Italian-look of its base, that your
condition so I had planned on sanding it down and refinishing it, but cabinet may have been a separate
when I pulled it away from the wall, I saw a stamp that is hard to see piece at one time. Many of these
in the picture, but I believe says ‘patented dec 20th 1898.’ Now, I’m cabinets were made of oak or walnut
not sure if I should do anything to it for fear of taking away any value with other woods used within the
it may have. Any information you can give me would be great! Thank marquetry such as rosewood, ebony,
you!” tulipwood, olivewood and barberry.
— DLD, Emmitsburg Your cabinet on chest appears to
be walnut from the photograph.
This is a TREASURE mostly The cabinet maker focused on the
because it was your grandfather’s, inlay or decorations, especially
and it’s certainly too large to those that were made in Holland,
be a trinket! This dresser needs which displayed ornate floral motifs.
some TLC, so refinishing it would The oval pictures on the doors of
definitely improve the appearance your piece are Greek images. The
and show off its walnut grain. I like beautiful bronze or brass hinges
the Formby’s method, but careful and latches are intricate and ornate
sanding and staining would work, as found on Asian chest on stands.
also. Many are painting these This hodge-podge of styles, Greek Revival, Asian, Italian suggests late 19th
timeworn, more common pieces, century, as does the drop-style drawer pulls. It’s a lovely piece and worth
with a chalk paint that comes in an investing some dollars into hinge repair and restoration of the back panel.
array of colors to choose from. I Without realizing its provenance, it’s difficult to give you an exact date and
plan to paint an 1880s washstand value. However, you paid a fair price. When the antique furniture market is
I inherited that’s missing its doors, stronger and it’s been repaired, your chest could be worth as much as $400 to
a cheery shade of mustard yellow. $500. The cabinets on chests that date to the 1700s and are French or Dutch
Painting isn’t always recommended, in origin, bring as much as $4K and more. Asian antiquities, of course, are
but on common late 19th century even more valuable. Thank you for sharing this beautiful antique!
furniture such as this one, it’s the
owner’s preference, as value is not Please note: Prices realized at actual market may differ from those printed here. Neither
an issue in the current antique The Catoctin Banner newspaper, nor the author, bear responsibility for a difference.
market. Keep the mirror, spots
and all, and the hardware, as is.
It dates your antique and gives it
that “shabby chic” character. Your
dresser is common, but special to you. Why not give it your best effort and
transform it into a usable, attractive antique!

Share Your Good News

• news@thecatoctinbanner.com •
Message Line 240-288-0108 • Call 301-447-2804 • Fax 301-447-2946
   30   31   32   33   34   35   36   37   38   39   40