Help me ID and date what I believe to be an Empire dresser

Discussion in 'Furniture' started by AvantG, Sep 3, 2023.

  1. AvantG

    AvantG New Member

    Greetings Antiquers forum!

    Empire dresser in pine (my first assumption) with the exception of the small upper drawer still in mahoganey. I've concluded that the previous owner cleared the veneer some years ago before my wife purchased this piece. Perhaps the orange discoloration on the side is remaining adhesive?

    I want to get an approximate date on the dresser and opinions of its authenticity before I take next steps to elevate its appearance a bit. All observations and opinions are appreciate.

     
    Last edited: Sep 3, 2023
    Any Jewelry and johnnycb09 like this.
  2. AvantG

    AvantG New Member

    Notable features; rectangular nail heads and flat nails, dovetail joint drawers (smallish though they may be), locks appear to be placed with a hand chisel as I have one lock missing and it is crude under these locks. Three top drawers.
     
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  3. johnnycb09

    johnnycb09 Well-Known Member

    Id guess 1860s,but Im often wrong.The proportions seem off to me,so Im wondering if a country carpenter. Now that the finish is gone,Id almost leave it like it is. Just throw on a coat of wax .
     
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  4. AvantG

    AvantG New Member

    Yes well - my opinion is not an educated one so I'm hoping some here can educate me. The wood looks really dry and could use some protection. Wax or tung oil? May want to hide some of the wood putty locations exposed after the veneer was removed.
     
  5. verybrad

    verybrad Well-Known Member

    Really a late classical piece, circa 1860. Often tagged as empire. I think your other assumptions are right about this. You are lucky the base wood is cohesive as it is. You could stain to approximate the original look but, if there was ever a good candidate for paint, this is it.
     
  6. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    I agree.
    Google 'Gustavian dresser' for inspiration.
    The Gustavian style is Swedish, late 18th-early 19th century, so earlier than your dresser. But the style of your dresser is close to the Gustavian style. They used a lot of whites and pastels which would look great on your dresser.
     
    johnnycb09 likes this.
  7. AvantG

    AvantG New Member

    Oh - I see your point on the similarity to Swedish Gustavian style along with the painted patina look of many of them. Giving this some thought.
     
  8. AvantG

    AvantG New Member

    Thanks for the insight. Care to hazard an opinion of the orange shading on some locations? I suggested old adhesive but who knows. If adhesive how would you attempt a delicate removal?
     
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