Help info on Commode?

Hello antiquers . I'm a newish member and have enjoyed learning on this forum . I have this cabinet, and would like to know age, style , country, use, possible value or any other input you might have. I live in the PNW of the US, and got it at a local estate sale last year. thanks in advance for your help.

 

Looks to be a commode/wash stand made ca. 1870-1890, probably in the midwestern U.S. This would have been part of a set that included a bed and dresser. all of a similar Renaissance Revival appearance. I'd say this was refinished, probably in the 1970s or 80s. No worries if you want to refinish it again to bring back that beautiful walnut grain, as the piece does not have the high value associated with conserving the original finish. In the Midwestern U.S. it might bring $50-$100 at auction.

 

Thanks so much, I'm a fan of brown furniture. Would crayon writing on the back be from maker? thanks again

 

Maybe. I wouldn't put too much stock in it.

 

The name is more likely the owner.

 

Thanks , would router work on top piece and drawer carving be handwork or machined during this period.

 

Machine work. They may have even purchased the drawer pulls from another company the specialized in them.

 

Thanks Ghopper.

 

It will be much prettier if you can get that milky finish off of it. I can't recall the name of that product, Deft something? It was around in the 70s, but it was horrible stuff. I threw all mine out after one misuse.

 

Thanks... If I was to refinish any recommendations for product that would be similar to original finish.

 

Votes for a "wiping varnish" which is really just diluted varnish, almost impossible to mess up. Wipe/brush on, let it soak in a few min, wipe off excess. The only down side is it may take 3-5 coats to get the "build" you want.

 

Thanks James. Can I go over existing finish, or old finish needs to be removed first. By the way I really enjoy your informative posts on early american furniture.

 

No, existing finish must be removed or any new finish won't "stick".

 

Varnish finishes are beautiful and I use them in pieces that are not much used, but they don't stand up well to daily use in my household. I have even had great results on an oak dresser using layers of orange shellac undercoat, but no food or drink is allowed near it! But for my hard-working pieces, such as my oak kitchen cupboard doors, old-growth fir floors and oak dining table tops, I like Minwax wipe-on satin poly , and build up to six coats. Poly is more forgiving to alcohol spills and you can use a damp cloth to wipe up food. Even so, they need to be refreshed every few years.
Ask 20 refinishers what they recommend and you will get 20 different answers, based on the state of the piece, personal experiences, aesthetics, and functionality! Every piece is different and it's essential to first ID what the old finish is. Some need stripped off entirely, like your milky Deft-ish commode. If it were old paint, lacquer or shellac, it might have been refreshed in other ways, but that's not the case here. Disclaimer: I don't recommend poly for museum quality pieces!

 

Ok... thank you

 

Thank you.. not museum quality and will be used so poly might be the best bet.

 

@xtcascade , please post photos here after it's refinished. It's great that it will still be used.

 

Will do, but it will be a while down the road time wise. I'm leaning toward poly finish.