Antique or Replica?

I have an American Empire style work table that I was wanted to re-finish but I wasn't sure it's an actual antique or a replica. The wood looks to be pine with a faux finish to mimic crotch mahogany veneer.

Empire Work Table by Sandy06230 posted Apr 17, 2016 at 8:32 AM

Drawer Construction by Sandy06230 posted Apr 17, 2016 at 8:32 AM

Empire Table Top - Leaf by Sandy06230 posted Apr 17, 2016 at 8:32 AM

 

Welcome!
Very nice!
I don't have much of a clue on this.
Some of us are waking up just now and will give opinions.
When VeryBrad comes along you'll know more too.

 

Thanks! I've tried looking online for info about the table to determine it's age based on the drawer construction and faux wood grain but I couldn't find much.

 

You will here.
Hang in there. Many are here a lot...like me, and others have things to do.

 

Hi, and WELCOME Sandy.....I've taken the liberty of trying to lighten two of your photos a bit....they were pretty dark.....if you can possibly have the light behind you, you should get better results! Personally, I do not think it's a repro, and unless the veneering were badly damaged, I would not refinish. And if that's not veneering on it, then all my bets are off!!!!

 

........................................and when Aquitane comes along.......................much more as well.

 

Actually, the more I look at the open drawer......is that two staples on the side or small pegs???? And I don't think I see ANY veneering on the leaf and front of the drawer, but it actually does appear to have good age.....so ......WAIT FOR THE FURNITURE GURU........BRAD.......not the one in the insurance commercial

 

Like Aquitaine:
1. I believe it does have "good age."
2. Can't tell from any of the pics if it has veneer.
3. Do not recommend refinishing. Maybe a good wipe with something might be all it needs.
4. Wait for Brad!

I wondered about that open drawer also. I thought pegs. The sides of that drawer looks like it has been rebuilt?? If this is the real deal the original drawer probably would have dovetails joints.

--- Susan

 

I agree with the otheres. This looks like the real deal, and the faux finish would not have been unusual.
When you lift the side panels, what do they rest upon, and are there "wear marks" where they rest?

 

Hi...there's no veneer on the table, just the faux grain. The drawers are not dovetail but are rabbited and nailed (I think that's what you call it) but look like they were reinforced at some point over the years with nails from a pneumatic gun (not staples). I'll post more/better pictures once I figure out how to add them to my media.

 

Hi,
JAWG I am thinking not the original Empire piece but the 1900 revival piece. Looks like a nice sewing table. I think the side of the drawer is a replacement piece.
greg

 

The side panels are held up by a piece of wood (nothing fancy but like a piece of 3/4" old wood stock) that swivels out to hold the sides up and is tucked away on the side, above the drawers when not in use. The piece looks old but I've never seen anything like the faux grain before...I purchased it thinking it was mahogany veneer. I've refinished many old pieces over the years but the faux grain was so convincing that I thought it was actually crotch mahogany.

 

Hi Sandy,
A lot of the revival Empire furniture had great faux finishes. I had an oval table that was solid walnut but had an incredible Rosewood finish on it.
greg

 

I think this is a period piece. The lack of dovetails and faux graining pegs this as a less expensive example made for the masses. I would not refinish, as you will likely remove the faux finish. Clean, touch up light areas with stain, and provide a coat of paste wax. If you feel like you want more than the wax finish, you could use a coat or two of tung oil varnish. before waxing.

 

Thanks...approximately what years were the Empire revival period? If I were to dust it off and sell it, what is something like that worth? My intent initially was to refinish it so I could use it in my living room but I'm having second thoughts.

 

I don't believe this to be a revival piece. The original Empire period in the US was about 1820-50. I think you are probably closer to the tail end of that period with your piece. The revival period was circa 1910.

 

I was thinking of putting mahogany veneer on the piece so the finish would look nicer but I'm not sure if I would be decreasing the value of the piece (not sure what it's worth) or would the decrease in value be negligible because the piece isn't worth much to begin with?

 

Not worth a whole lot but can't imagine going through the trouble and expense to veneer. I think it would spruce up nicely. I won't mention the "P" word but I suppose that is a viable option.