Featured Barbershop tobacco case

Picked up an old glass and oak display case today, to display my treasures in. Did some research and found that maker, Jones Bros & Co of Toronto, was a barbershop supply company. Then, discovered in one of their catalogues that the case was meant for displaying cigars. Apparently, a hundred years ago it was common for men’s barbershops to sell tobacco. Had no idea!

Now, have to decide whether to restore or not. At very least, am tempted to remove old, darkened varnish. Any tips about how to do this?

 

Very cool display cabinet!!!

We will of course need to see photos of the finished project.

@verybrad

 

JMHO but... I'd leave it. Restoration will destroy its integrity. Again, JMHO.

Debora

 

Jones Bros. & Co.: Barber Supplies and Furniture, 1923 catalogue (pg 38 shows closest to this, but lots of other interesting stuff as well):
https://archive.org/details/JonesBrosAndCoCatalogue27/page/n53/mode/2up

 

I like that case.

 

You’re probably right. The case is structurally fine, and I’m so grateful to have got it home without breaking anything, especially the flawed, wavy glass that I believe is likely original. Maybe I should just leave as-is, and not press my luck!

 

Thank you! Looks like this company was in business from the 1870’s until well into the 20th Century.

 

I gotta agree...stripping that to refinish would be one helluva process, an' add no value at best.

Don't know where you live, but inna U.S. there's a product called Restor-a-Finish. Home Depot has it, as does Amazon...and probably plenty of other outlets. Really superior results are possible, with a lot less labor.

Check it out: https://www.howardproducts.com/product/restor-a-finish/

Good Luck...it's a very nice piece of furniture!

 

Thanks for the recommendation. I’m in Canada, about an hour north of Toronto. Will look up this Restor-a-Finish!

 

A few of us will wait, somewhat patiently, for pics...and The Story...when you complete the project! Good Fortune, David!

 

Think some Resor-A-Finish will do wonders for this. Might want to clean very well before using the product.

 

Thanks. Not sure if dark coloured build up is old furniture wax, or varnish. Guess I’ll make some tests in spots where, if something goes wrong, it won’t be too noticeable.

 

Ain't nothin' gonna go wrong...it'll positively Glow!

 

Yes, Howard's Restore a Finish. No need to strip the finish. Just clean it well, use the restore with fine steel wool. You will be pleased at how the piece comes alive.

 

Okay, will give it a try!

 

Any old Tobacciana is a very good thing.

 

At 60 I feel quite the antique when I remember sitting on the wire and leather kids barber shop seat that went on the big chairs on page 2 of that catalog...... makes me wonder what ever happened to that barber shop stuff in the tiny neighborhood Barber shop I grew up with .

 

Hitting 70 blew my ancient mind.I tell the kids about seeing Hendrix and the Doors,they look at me like I was a Titanic Survivor.Was lucky enough as a kid to see Kennedy and MLK in person-us old-timers been somewhere,seen some things.