Can anyone help to ID this amazing antique hutch?!

Hi there,

We found this in LA on the side of the road(!!) and have brought it home to clean it up. It has all the shelves and the top, but we took them off to transport it. Cupboard doors are missing. I'd love to know if anyone can help ID the style and/or age.

Also, anyone have any tips on the best way to clean it? We're thinking lemon oil.

Thank you!

Antique Hutch by John Hendicott posted Aug 21, 2016 at 10:55 AM

Antique Hutch by John Hendicott posted Aug 21, 2016 at 10:55 AM

Antique Hutch by John Hendicott posted Aug 21, 2016 at 10:55 AM

Antique Hutch by John Hendicott posted Aug 21, 2016 at 10:55 AM

Antique Hutch by John Hendicott posted Aug 21, 2016 at 10:55 AM

Antique Hutch by John Hendicott posted Aug 21, 2016 at 10:55 AM

 

Wow what a nice find, All I ever see on the roadside is rubbish

 

It is Spanish Colonial in style and made of oak. I would think this dates to mid to late 19th century. As such and based on where you found it, I would think this came from Mexico or made in the Southwest by Mexican immigrants. Too bad you don't have the doors but a great find nonetheless.

 

If it really needs cleaning, a good scrubbing with an oil-soap would be the way to go. It definitely need rejuvenating. While lemon oil will help the wood, it will take many applications before you start to see any kind of benefit from it. I am a firm believer in tung oil and tung oil based varnishes as a better method.

 

As a native, just want to point out -- in the friendliest way possible -- that California wasn't a state until 1850 and the "immigrants" were Americans and Europeans. Could well be a piece made by former Mexican citizens (or their descendants) of Alta California after their province was "annexed" by the U.S. following the discovery of gold.

Debora

 

Thanks @verybrad for the info and @Debora for the important clarification.

It's amazing to think of the history of this piece and the journey is has seen. All we know for sure is that the last owner was a smoker, as it stunk of tobacco. We used a beeswax and carnauba wax mix to give it a clean and coat and it seems very happy!

Here's a photo of it in it's new home:

In situ by John Hendicott posted Aug 21, 2016 at 2:29 PM

 

BTW, great to hear of it's Mexican ancestry, as I think it works nicely holding our Mexican plates

 

I do SOOOOOOOOOO love that piece. Congratulations.

 

You are, of course, absolutely correct. Mea culpa!

 

Looks great! What a nice display you have turned it into! Lovely!

 

You did a great job bring that back to like - looks fabulous

 

VERY, VERY NICELY DONE!!!!!