Featured Considering for restoration table. Is it worth it

Not mine, not my photos. Thinking of buying this local online, for restoring. Is it original or late reproduction. They’re selling for the cost of a cheap date at McDonald’s, and since I don’t date or do McDonalds it wouldn’t be a big lost to me.

Any info will help me(that goes without saying ). Will the metal trim come off and back on relatively easily? One of my bigger concerns are the big nails heads holding the corner pieces on. Concern is that it doesn’t actually look like a quality way to attach. Asking owner for photos of underneath.

always appreciate your time and knowledge.

 

it's a nice table but... it looks like a thing that if you mess with it.....it could get worse not better.......

 

Think this is a 20th century piece. Though French in design, possibly made in Italy. As long as the inlay/veneers are intact, would think it relatively easy to refinish, with one caveat. I don't think you will ever get the stain out of the top. Should not be too difficult to pry off the metal mounts.

 

Thanks guys, …. @verybrad , thanks for the extra input.

 

Quick question, they say it is mahogany, would you agree?

 

I may not agree unless it is a Brazilian mahogany wood, which it may be.
Asking: @verybrad

If it were going to be mine, I'd not totally refinish it. I'd touch up the worn and bald spots and fill in any "pockets" with a different product than wood, rather than have to make specialized cuts in wood veneer. Then, I would use a "refinishing" product (like the old Fornby's Refinisher) to make it shine all over again.

Suggest you determine if it is shellac based or polyurethane or varnish before starting. That will determine your finished product and keep it from fish-eying.

 

??bit of every thing Kingwood, Mahogany. possibly Boxwood or Sycamore veneers to top... without seeing carcass , timber could could be pine ,s

 

‘thanks, here is the photo I requested. He’s not the best photographer by far.

 

could be pine....i think this table is only requiring a spruce up..touch up scuffs with a light staining then a good polish and buffing.

 

Well, I own it now.
Just a light cleaning here. Much taller than I thought and yes, in better condition too. At 29.5”H 19.5”L, the green verdigris just wipes right off. The guy never even notice the “Made in France” stamp on bottom. He didn’t even care actually when shown. Said he bought it in a thrift store years back but upgrading to a more modern look now. Lucky me.

On the 5th photo you will find the only two pieces of veneer missing. Table top corner edge and bottom side wall.

‘Do I devalue the table by removing the original finish and patina or this table wouldn’t make that much difference either way?

In any case, I thank all for your input and feel free to add anything else.

 

Opinionated amateur here. Qualifications = many years of DIY & lots of mistakes.
Refinishing is a patience game. First, figure out your goal: do you want to gently freshen it, or transform it? Then figure out what the finish is right now. How you refurbish will depend on whether it’s poly vs lacquer vs shellac. Then, what is the finish condition? That will inform whether you scrape cs sand vs stripping. What is the overall condition? Will the inlay on this piece stand up to a vigorous strip down? These decisions are not linear, they are a dance back and forth in the planning.
I would highly recommend looking at the work of at least three YouTube restoration artists: Thomas Johnson/Maine, AT Restoration/Lithuania, Chrigun Restoration/Germany. These guys are formally trained artisans and have deep expertise in furniture restoration. They focus mainly on older traditional furniture, and they joyfully share what they know for free.
It’s not the end of the world if a piece doesn’t come out the way you expect, but it does sting.