Need advice re restoration of Grunbaum rocking chair

My wife says it belonged to her grandfather years ago and now she would like it restored. Some pictures are attached. Is restoration of this nature something one without any previous carpentry or restoration skills might sucessfully accomplish?
If not, is it likely I could find some sort of local resources (Spokane, Wa) to perform and if so, what might be the range of cost?
Lastly, if I choose to take on the restoration where could I purchase the springs (one or more is broken) and essential supplies so as to preserve the original condition as closely as possible.

Thanks for your time, assistance and any advice you might have for us.

 

In the photographs, it appears that it needs nothing more than new upholstery. Am I not seeing something else?

Debora

 

So new springs and upholstery. Typically, when one restores a piece, especially a family piece with sentimental value, one leaves it as close to its original state as possible. I'm not seeing the new for refinishing in your photographs. Just some tlc to the wood. Let's see what others think. And, of course, it's a matter of personal preference.

Debora

 

If all it needs are new horsehair, webbing, and upholstery, it's do-able. Actually, it's all do-able. All it takes is time and money. If this was for resale it wouldn't be worth the effort, but since you're keeping it it's a go. The wood made need some cleaning and wax, but as long as it's not wobbly I wouldn't mess with it much beyond the seat.

 

Looks like paint to me. If the chair is in the USA, woodworm is highly unlikely.

 

and it doesn't look like paint splatter...

 

It doesn't look like woodworm to me, not paint splashes either.

It looks like a kind of stuff we see a lot here as well. In a German furniture restoring show it was described as a deposit of tiny airborne artificial/synthetic particles which group together on cold surfaces to form small white specks. They look like white fly poo. I call it 'plastic poo', but I am sure there is an official term for it.
You can scratch them off with your fingernail. Sometimes you need a knife or spatula, but it does come off.

 

Plastic poo on the arm of an MCM chair that was stored in our spare room for about 30 years:



I have removed about half of the poo, but there is still a bit to do. After that the wood will receive some TLC.

 

hummmmm....fungus..... mold ???

 

No, it is hard and it is raised (half sphere), much like fly poo only white. And when you scrape it off it's gone. It doesn't spread either, and can occur on any cold surface, not on warmish ones

 

I believe it most likely is some overspray ie. paint splashes. There are a few larger, irregular blotches that definitely look like paint. Other than this, the wood is in good condition. With some minor refinishing it should be ok.

My most concerning part of this "project" is how to replace the broken spring supports. This is heavy gauge "wire" that secures the top (or maybe its the bottom) of the springs to the chair frame. Several are broken and are missing the pointy ends that connect to the frame. Does anyone know where I could purchase replacements or a substitute?

I suppose I could probably jurry rig some sort of supporting system but my preference is to keep it as original as possible.

Attached is a picture the more clearly shows two of the broken spring supports.

Hey, thanks for all your advice and help!!

 

Why don't you find a full-service upholsterer that will repair the springs? A professional who has experience in doing so?

Debora

 

Good idea. I will check that out.

 

Is restoration of this nature something one without any previous carpentry or restoration skills might sucessfully accomplish?

No, not likely !

If not, is it likely I could find some sort of local resources (Spokane, Wa) to perform

I would think that's possible...

and if so, what might be the range of cost?

a few hundred ..... at the least..... maybe more.....

 

Thanks for you advice.