Featured Antique Commode/Chest Information

Hmmmmmm, if the drawers are graduated and they appear to be, then that can't be correct. I would add that close don't count when doing this kind of work.

 

Agreed, but what other choices do I have but to leave a gaping hole or try to find the needle in a haystack piece of similarly grained wood. My plan would be to use the existing back to create the part of the drawer face that is inside the lighter wood inlay, then glue a thin strip of blonde wood along all four edges to simulate the marquetry. Once this is in place, I can use some similar wood to glue to the tops and sides of the drawer front which will then bring it to the correct size. Add some cockbeading and I think I will have a very suitable substitute for the real thing, as long as it is only for display in my home.

 

Another problem i see with this is, the dovetails on the drawer fronts are "blind" where the dovetails on the back are not, they go all the way thru the back of drawer, if this makes any sense.
Hold on a min, I happen to own a C 1800 birch Hepplewhite chest from NH with original pulls (rosettes), let me take a couple drawers out and measure.

Well, the way you are going you may wind up with TWO drawers missing!

 

that's what threw me off at first....i put to much attention to the hardware...

 

Yep, did. Original hardware on pieces 200 years & older is rare, they are almost always replaced because that is the easiest way to "remodel" furniture to the latest fashion. Usually the most that's required is drill a small hole and sometimes not even that.

 

The only reason i have this Hepplewhite chest? because it's not really my thing? because it has it's ORIGINAL HARDWARE!
I bought it 20 years ago or so for that reason alone, the hardware.

 

I am not in any hurry, believe me. I'm currently working on a birdseye maple dresser that is in need of some TLC. I won't be touching the Hepplewhite until I have more time and a lot more information. I'll keep watching this space...

 

OK, just removed top drawer and measured, even IF drawers were not graduated, which they are, your plan WILL NOT WORK. It will be to short for a drawer front because the dovetails go all the way through on back of drawer, they do not on front.

 

LOL, YES! calm down, chest has been here for 200 years or so, what's the hurry? I think i heard your chest let out a pained cry for help when you were thinking about wacking into another of it's drawers! What you are going to need unless you just want to live with the missing drawer? A woodworker, there is no other way around it.

 

Not really, OP chest is aprox 200 years old with cockbeading and inlay, there is no easy fix here that will fill the hole and look good.
The correct way is hire a qualified woodworker to make another drawer, repair apron & refinish entire chest. I am guessing $1500-$2000 or so to do this. Sorry but there it is, which is why it was on it's way to dump/ burn pile.

 

"that's what threw me off at first....i put to much attention to the hardware..."

Me too....plus, I paid too much attention to Komokwa as well......

Kidding.......

Stupid hardware!

 

LOL, Yep, you guys were seduced by replaced hardware!

 

Generally speaking, original hardware is a big deal to old furniture collectors because it is rare. It does not reduce the value like say a structural repair does but collectors are ALWAYS mindful about hardware on old pieces. It's just nicer to have the original brass pulls & is an indication the piece has escaped without anyone messing around with it to much.

 

It was on its way to the burn pile because the previous owners had no idea what it was or how old it is. I however knew it was old when I first laid eyes on it, although I didn't know what it was, and I am determined to preserve it - somehow. Let me ask you, James...what would you do?

 

Well, if cost was an issue, I'd look into seeing if there was a retired woodworker who still dabbles. Check out woodworker blogs & forums, there are many. Even amateur woodworkers can be very skilled & do it as a hobby.
If cost was not an issue & i wanted to keep the piece, I'd just take it to my local restorer that i use here. Just about every town has at least one guy who does this for a living, naturally some are better than others.

 

This isn't rocket science here, just building a drawer & refinishing mostly. Still, it won't be free no matter which way you go.

 

Unfortunately cost is an issue at the moment. Sooo, search for a local woodworker it is! This will take some time I am sure, so I will get back to you all when I have some new information. Meanwhile, I do have another issue with my other dresser, so I will start a new thread. Thanks all!