Holiday Furniture

Holiday furniture? Of course!

In selecting the last two pieces of furniture that Redeux is likely to restore before the end of the year (in addition to a few special requests) I chose what may be best put to use during the holidays.

Everyone needs a server and this compact mahogany server/console seemed just the right choice. Likely dating from the early 1900's, this piece was truly a diamond in the rough when it was first seen. Decades of wear and tear hid its underlying beauty. Having simple, understated lines this server can go with any decor and have many uses. First, it was stripped, then given an "evening coat" of oil stain and then several coats of oil top finish. The original brass drawer and door pulls were cleaned and now shine, while retaining their aged patina.

The Christmas and Chanukah season is one in which there is much joy and activity, yet also lots of time to sit quietly with family, friends and yourself. For this reason, I chose to restore a Victorian rocker. Nothing could be better than sitting and chatting or reading to "little ones" or a dear friend while slowly rocking in this beautifully carved, padded seat (with coil springs!) rocking chair. This is a real beauty.



If you would like to see these or any other items before Christmas you can do so Friday 12/18, 9:00- 2:30 or Saturday 12/19, 9:00-1:00. Just call ahead of arriving: 203-414-1727 or 203-254-2017.



Around December 28th the remaining furniture will be taken to the Redeux winter quarters inside. Only you on this list will be invited to the Redeux Winter Quarters. Look for the sign out by the garage doors or just call to ensure I'm here if you'd like to stop by and browse.

Thank you ... and wishing you all a very blessed, happy and joyous Christmas!

Bill

Finishing

As November draws to a close Redeux Vintage Furniture is beginning the move indoors. Slowly, until after the first of the year, pieces needing painting, staining or oiling will be taken to our lower level.

So, for all of you on the Redeux mail list, our “winter shop” will be open just for you. Look for the “Furniture Tag Sale” sign in front of the garage doors – that will be the indicator that I am open and working inside. Just come to the door. Call ahead if you’d like: 203-254-2017 / 203-414-1727.

With the onset of the colder weather I really had intended to consolidate the pieces on hand to make the move indoors a bit easier. However, we've gotten in several items that I just could not resist – or leave homeless. These include:

A small, console type chest with drawers at the top and doors below. It is dark mahogany.

Two oak chests, both having curved tops. One seems to date from the late 1800’s; the other from about 1910-1930 or so.

A very nice oak chest with pivoting mirror.

A chest of drawers that appears to be walnut with a gold stenciling on the front. The design is quite different and is pictured here:

Note the drawer pulls that appear to be original– they appear to have Bakelite incorporated into their design. This would date the piece to the Depression 1930’s.

A sideboard/server also was located. For those of you looking for an elegant piece that is not quite so “heavy” looking as the darker mahogany ones we’ve had this may be right for you.

Just finished is an oak dresser that has been stripped of its old, damaged varnish and given an “evening” coat of stain and then hand-rubbed with oil. New period-correct brass hardware has been added. This is a sturdy, handsome piece. The "before and after" pictures are at the top of this posting.

Just refinished, too, is an oak bed frame with a trundle-type of frame to accomodate a sleep-over guest. The piece seems to date from the late 1800's and has wonderful detailing. It is a bit smaller in size than a modern twin so it would be quite suitable for not too tall folks (up to about 5'8" ) and children. A mattress company in Hamden can custom make a quality mattress for this bed at a reasonable price. This is a very special piece! Ask me for more details

There are also a number of other wonderful pieces ready for a new home!

Working in the garage these past few months has given me the opportunity to chat with all of you and the question of why I choose what finish for which piece often comes up.

Each piece is different and has its own personality, so to speak. Sometimes, it takes several weeks to figure out the best approach for restoring an old chest, table or server. Once in a while I’ll know what to do the first time I see a piece of furniture – regardless of its current condition. Concentrating on only American-made wood furniture built before 1950 makes the job a bit easier. Quality and craftsmanship, so often in short supply in modern furniture, was the rule of thumb back then. Restoring these furniture pieces is both a privilege and joy.

But, back to the finishes. I prefer oil stains and paints over water-based products. While requiring a bit more care in application, they are much more attractive, durable and better for the wood.

The same with the top coating on stained wood furniture. Varnishes and shellacs have their place and have been around almost forever. Yet, more and more, I find myself drawn to giving a piece, when appropriate, a hand- rubbed oil finish. Boiled Linseed oil is my preferred method and each piece gets at least 2 to 3 applications of the oil. This oil finish provides a durable, water and scratch resistant top coat. The oil penetrates the wood fibers and actually gives them more strength. An oil finish is also resistant to heat damage – great for table tops! Re-touching later is fairly easy, too.

Thank you, again. You have made Redeux such a joy and I look forward to seeing you again very soon. Remember to look for the sign in front of the garage - or just call.

Bill

Fall at Redeux

The time has come…or is at least very close. Work at the Redeux Garage has become very sporadic lately due to the weather. Paints, glues, varnishes and stains just don’t like the chilly temps and have become a bit sluggish and unpredictable. But, not to worry.

As I mentioned a while back, work will soon begin commencing in the house. So, you may not see the garage doors open and me working inside as often as before. However, this is what we’ll do and see how it works out: I’ll try to have all pieces of furniture photographed and posted on the web site or sent out via this Blog. Whenever possible the doors to the Redeux Garage will be open. If I’m not out there working away just ring the doorbell. When the weather is really cold or inclement the doors may be closed but if you’d like to see something either call ahead (203-414-1727) or come to the door. This arrangement is only for you that have stopped by before. At some point, right after the first of the year, all the pieces will be taken inside and you’ll be able to browse, have a cup of tea by the fire and chat while I am working on something in our lower level. Again, just call or look for the sign to know I’m working away on some new and interesting treasure. Also, many of you have stopped by after work. With darkness now coming before 5:00 P.M. it is difficult to work in the garage. So, look for the sign in front of the well-lit Redeux Garage to see if we’re around; usually Tuesday thru Friday 1:00 until 5:30 and Saturdays 9:00 until 3:00 is a safe bet. Call me to ensure we don’t miss one another (203-414-1727).

Speaking of interesting treasures, the birdseye maple chest has been finished. When it was first found the top was badly damaged from liquids with alcohol (perfume, after shaves, etc.) and some drawer pulls were missing. Well, the top has been stripped, re-stained and given a hand-rubbed oil finish. I used this technique in order to minimize the chances of the same type of damage happening again. The drawers have been refitted with great looking pulls while keeping the original backing plates. The remainder of the chest has been refurbished as well and the birdseye graining of the top and the tiger stripe maple front and sides make this a very attractive piece.

The old oak chest that has been sitting in the front of the garage for some time has been stripped and the drawers re-glued. It will be given a coat of light to medium stain and then my favorite hand rubbed oil finish. Working with the oil finish continues to be my favorite final coat. It has low luster, shows the wood grains beautifully, and actually gives strength to the wood fibers when it soaks in and hardens and is fairly low maintenance. And, it is very traditional. Stop by and see this beauty.

The tall chiffarobe is getting more prepping but will be ready for the Redeux Spa soon. This piece will probably be painted the same deep red as the chest but may have a few special highlights added. Together, they would make a great looking bedroom set!

A new piece just arrived and will be given the fast track to the spa because it is such a great find. Made of oak, this approximately 1890 – 1920 era chest with a large tilting mirror would be a great hall or bedroom piece. I’ll post pics asap but feel free to stop by beforehand. There is also a nice little serving cart that I plan to have ready before long. It needs to be refinished so some of the final finishing may take place inside.

Finally, if you are looking for something special let me know. For the coming few months I will be concentrating on finding “special requests” and more unique, more compact pieces. Also, if you have a piece of furniture you no longer need, give me a call. There are a few of you that I need to arrange meeting with.

Thanks again to all of you.

Bill

Old Paint

These past several weeks at Redeux have been busy… when the weather was cooperating. Several pieces have been refurbished and several more are nearing completion. Also, a field trip was made to Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts to explore and study painted furniture in Colonial America. First, here's what’s ready at Redeux.

The green / blue Berkley & Gay dresser is still available. This really is a nice piece and the bright brass hardware really sets the color off. Another dresser, painted deep red, has just been finished. An antique wash chest with carved mirror is awaiting a new home as is a somewhat younger version, also in oak. The Amish(?) oak farm table has been given a new coat of oil on the top and looks great. A very neat pickled-oak chest/dresser and a large, Dutch style dresser are also ready. We now have two chiffarobes, both painted and also several very nice maple dressers that appear to date from the 1920’s to 1930’s. Included is a very nice maple dresser having two different types of graining. It's different and striking. I'm awaiting the arrival of some drawer-pull hardware but otherwise it is ready to go. For desks we have a Victorian cylinder style roll-top, a very beautiful writing desk with an interesting carved wood decoration on the top door and a mahogany convertible desk that expands to a dining/conference table. A neat little slant-top is also close to done. Nearly ready – at last- is the large oak dresser with tall mirror and white stone top. Dating from the mid to late 1800’s this piece was built using joints, slots & dowels. It is quite some bit of craftsmanship! There are several other small, occasional pieces awaiting homes, too.

The trip to Sturbridge, as always, was both enjoyable and informative. Previous “field trips” had been devoted to learning different styles of joinery; nail types and their uses and the milling of wood boards. Last week’s trip was devoted to studying and learning about painted furniture. This was brought about by my increasing interest in painting furniture and by finding several very old pieces that appear to have been painted at, or close to, the time of construction.

While painted furniture has been around forever, furniture painting in America became popular starting in the early 1899’s with the increasing industrialization of the nation. With this industrialization came more wealth, more leisure time and less expensive furniture due to machine-made parts. Less exotic native wood furniture such as pine, birch, oak and maple were considered suitable for decorating by painting the entire piece or painting scenes or adding stenciling. But, contrary to some “experts” opinions, painting furniture did not imply that the piece was inferior. What struck me most, I suppose, was the very bright and varied colors that early Americans commonly used. The image of New Englanders being somewhat drab or austere in their use of color and decoration appears to not be supported by historical evidence. In fact, many homes had furniture and accessories in a riot of colors in the same room! And, it all worked.

What this field trip means for Redeux is that our color choices for furniture can be more varied. This does not mean that every piece is a candidate for painting – far from it. Many of our pieces would be ruined by painting them. A birdseye maple dresser is beautiful enough without adding a thing. But, a simple, non-historical piece that might benefit from a new facelift may be sent to the Redeux Color Spa. During this coming winter I hope to learn some new techniques for painting and most certainly will draw upon the furniture at Old Sturbridge Village for inspiration.

Thanks, again, to all of you for stopping by the garage. This week, with some warmer temperatures promised, I’ll be busy getting as many as possible of the remaining pieces refinished or painted. Stop by. Tea is on!

Bill

Fall Colors

The cool weather has finally settled in but Redeux continues to get the work done. It's amazing what a cup of tea and my old Irish tweed cap can facilitate!

Recently finished is a terrific looking dresser with an Art-Deco type carving/inlay and a tilting mirror. This is a really nice piece that will be suitable for any setting and will compliment many styles of furniture.

The former Three Legged Dog had a change of heart with her makeover and made a return visit to the Redeux Spa. If you look closely at a piece of semi-sweet quality chocolate you will see the new color adorning the top of this really unique piece. This color matches the streaks that are visible and mixed with the golden yellow throughout the rest of the chest. It is finally ready for a new home.

A student school desk is being refurbished and will be ready later this week. Made of maple, it has been given a new coat of light colored stain and will have an oil finish. The adjustable-height metal legs (the first I’ve seen in this type of desk) have been raised to an adult height and will be repainted a complimentary color. This desk is ideal for smaller spaces. Yet, it has a full writing area with the old ink well and slant top that opens for storage of stationary or perhaps a laptop. It's a really nice desk!




In response to many requests, soon to be refurbished is an oak chest that will be stripped and re-stained. A nice older dresser is also in line to be repainted. Colors are still being chosen but greens or blues seem to be the front runners right now.

Just arrived is a very unusual mahogany desk that can be converted into a table. It’s perfect for small apartments/homes or for those needing an occasional, multi-use table. This should be ready within a week.

Also, new at Redeux are the following: a rolling drop-leaf table, a nice compact sized occasional oak chest that’s great for hallways, etc. and a small drop-leaf side table with drawers. Another chiffarobe has been obtained. It is a bit different than the one we have on hand now. It, also, will be painted. And last, but far from least, is a server/console that is a bit different from most of our other pieces. It is dark mahogany (walnut?) and has a late 1800’s French style design. It is complimented by a beautiful brown stone top. This will be ready for a new home very soon, too.



Keep in mind that as the colder weather sets in working becomes a bit more difficult at the Redeux garage. I am hoping to get all current, on hand pieces done within the next two weeks or so. When I close the garage for the winter months those folks on the Redeux mailing list will be notified that the furniture will be available to see in the lower level of the house.


Hope to see you soon!


Bill

Feeling Mahvelus, Dahling

Feeling Mahvelus’, Dahling!

So said the newest Redeux beauty queen upon returning from her Spa makeover, the former Three Legged Dog. Spifffed up, with a newly finished top of four layered coats of paint and new wooden knobs, in addition to her old brass pulls (a girl can’t give up everything!), the TLG is now, Lady Redeux. Come, say hello to the girl!

Several new additions have come into the shop and, since the weather has been great, many have been restored and ready for their new homes. A country style pine chest with a nice green finish is a bright new item. Also in is an 1890 – 1925 era compact oak chest with a pickled, natural finish. It would be a great piece for a hall or guest room. Awaiting makeovers are an oak dresser that will be stripped and refinished and a charming country pine chest that likely will be painted. I could be persuaded to strip this one and refinish it with a stain instead. If interested, stop by and take a look within the next few days and put in a request for color or to have it refinished.

A very different cedar chest has come in this week. It has footed legs and a painted floral design on the front. It is a bit taller than our previous chest and would make an interesting hall settee or bedroom piece. This will need some work, although it is very strong and intact structurally. Unusual.

An older Hale Furniture Nursing Rocker has come in and is again ready for rockin’ that little baby. It is quite comfortable and would also make a nice occasional chair. It’s really nice and has what appears to be the original finish.

Because of several requests, the chiffarobe that is in the shop may be repainted a different color. Some want a pastel. Some think a dark green color, matching the newly re-finished Berkley & Gay dresser would be stunning. One other suggestion was a unique Country Red. If you liked this great piece but felt the present off-white color just wasn't right for you, call or stop in ASAP and let me know which color would work best.

Thanks to all of you for making Redeux such a wonderful way for me to spend time with great old furniture and new friends. Stop by and say hello... Tea is on!

Bill

Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beatiful!

Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful!

This was the message given to all the other pieces of furniture at Redeux as the Berkley & Gay dresser emerged from her week at the Redeux Spa. With her complete facelift and brilliantly restored hardware “bling”, it is no wonder that the former B&G dresser prefers now to be referred to as simply, “Rula Lenska”.

Redeux has gotten in several new dressers and cabinets. Most date from the early 1900’s and one, perhaps, the late 1800’s. Each is very interesting and is of different woods. A dresser with an “Art Deco” type of inlay on the front and a tilting mirror is really dramatic. One or two of these pieces are candidates for either painting or restoring to a natural wood finish. One pine chest in particular, after a trip to the Redeux Spa, could easily give “Rula” a run for her money. Stop by. If a piece interests you there is time to talk about finish options.

The Three Legged Dog is currently undergoing the full treatment. This will be a great piece for either an entryway or room.

Thanks to all who responded to my question about what to do during the winter months. There was a 100% vote to continue throughout the cold weather. So, Redeux will be open on the lower level of our home, but only for folks on this list or those they refer. Details will soon follow

Hope to see you soon. Stop by, see the new pieces and say hello to Rula!

Bill

Birdseye. Maple that is. Soft, golden yellow with wonderful patina and graining, this birdseye maple chest and dresser set is a rare find. They appear to date from the 1930’s to very early 40’s (the New Haven furniture company that originally sold them closed in 1949). Both have pivoting, beveled mirrors set between a pair of tall, gracefully curved mountings. The legs have wheels. This is truly the most interesting dresser and chest set Redeux has had. It was a real pleasure bringing these beauties back to life!

This past week the Wanamaker secretary desk was given a bit of a new look. Solid, with lots of character this desk can hold books, curios, mementoes and lots of other things in its many cubby holes and drawers. The Victorian cylinder roll top desk would also be a great addition to any office or study. Just in is a compact, Governor Winthrop style, slant-top desk. It may be restored by early next week. For all those of you that have asked for this style desk – stop by soon to see if it fits your needs.

A small, simple bookcase has come in and is now ready. It has been stained and given two coats of shellac. Also, a child’s rocker has been refinished. It has a rustic look with a slat seat. It would also be ideal for a little girl’s doll.

The Berkley & Gay dresser and the “3 legged dog” chest are still a source of bafflement for how to proceed with refinishing. The prep work has been completed on the Berkley piece and the final finishing choices are being narrowed down. Thanks to all of you that have stopped by and shared your thoughts.

Several new pieces are scheduled to come in by this weekend. Whenever I go about seeking new pieces for Redeux your wish list comes with me and hopefully that list will continue to be fulfilled.

I need your thoughts to help me make a decision that must be made soon. With winter coming in a few months (yes, only a few weeks ago the heat was stifling) it will be impossible to do the refinishing and display the furniture in the Redeux garage when the temperature drops below a certain point. I expect it will be late November when the temps drop to that level. These past several months have been really wonderful. So many beautiful pieces have been restored and have found new homes. So many of you have become “regulars” at Redeux and I always look forward to our chats about the furniture, design, history, literature and so much more. So, when the cold weather comes I must make a decision to A) stop everything until spring and then open again. B) Continue to work and display the furniture in our home's lower level. Doing this would require that I be “open” only for those folks that have already stopped by the Redeux garage and are on this mailing list. The inventory would be limited. But, the question is, would you be comfortable with this type of setup – coming into the lower level of the house? This set-up would last until about March.


Please let us know your honest thoughts on this by either stopping by or sending me an email. Please!

Stop by. See what’s new at Redeux. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to do something that is so very enjoyable – restoring beautiful American-made furniture and finding them new homes. Hope to see you soon.

Bill

Three Legged Dog To Be Revived!

Make hay while the sun shines was certainly the motivation this week at the Redeux garage. With a drop in the humidity and a break in the excessive heat these past couple of days, progress was made in restoring several pieces of furniture.

Finally the chiffarobe has been painted! Selected as the color was a nice, soft ivory. The small carved detailing shows nicely and the overall appearance is much more inviting than the previous darker wood. The vintage character still remains, yet it now has a completely different look that will be a great addition to many rooms and uses. Thanks again to The Redhead for her help in color choice and to our friend, Jeanne Boyd for suggesting to add more depth to the color. I think you’ll be pleased with the results.

The other piece that has been completed is the small mahogany side table. Having classic lines and a lyre design at the ends, this piece has been stripped of its old, darkened shellac and given a hand-rubbed oil finish. The graining shows beautifully.

After weeks of hair pulling (not easy for me) I’ve decided how to proceed with restoring the Berkeley & Gay chest of drawers. Manufactured by a prestigious American company, this chest had seen lots of wear and some tear. Yet, it remains intact and the details and carvings add real character. But, I knew refinishing this piece was going to be a problem. My friend and on-call furniture historian, Rachel Casillo, suggested painting it in a period accurate color. A selection of 1920’s colors is being examined and surface restoration / preparation is fully under way. While a shade of blue is the strongest contender right now, other colors may go equally well. If you are thinking of adding an interesting accent or bedroom piece to your home you may want to consider this Berkeley & Gay beauty. Stop by this weekend or within the next few days or so to take a look.

Just arrived is a compact sideboard. It appears to be made of walnut and date from 1900-1925 or so. This should be ready within the week. At about 42 inches long, it’s perfect for entryways or a cozy dining room. An unusual find!

A three legged dog. That’s how my little yellow chest has been described. But, the skeptics are wrong! I see an elegant piece with beautiful lines. She’s strong with graceful curves and has all four legs. This will be a challenge, but this Golden Lady will shine again. Stop by and wish her well as she enters the Redeux Spa!

More goodies are due in this weekend. I look forward to seeing you, sharing some tea and time while you browse through American furniture history at Redeux.

Thanks to you all for helping to make this such fun.

Bill

Vintage cupboard & china cabinet now available

Vacation time is over at Redeux and it’s been back to work in overdrive for the past week.

Our stock has been replenished and despite the weather I have managed to restore several pieces that are now available for you to see.

The cupboard that has been in the shop for a couple of weeks has been repainted a softer yellow and has been fitted with country style wood knobs. It still retains an aged look but has been cleaned up and the color is just right for any décor.

The china cabinet with the half-latticed door is ready. This turned out really nice with the wood graining showing through. I believe the wood is walnut and the piece seems to date from the 1930’s. There is a matching server / buffet that I am hoping to have ready by this coming weekend.

An interesting country dresser is also ready. Painted a red clay color, it is chunky and very solid while sporting some unusual lines and a gracefully curved top drawer area. It’s different and might have several uses other than only as a bedroom dresser.

I have also managed to locate another nice desk, a smaller maple chest, several chairs a bookcase and a small side table. All will be restored ASAP. If you see something that you need soon, let me know and I’ll move it near the top of the “to do” list.

In addition to the above we have quite a nice assortment of goodies to choose from including: the Victorian commode/chest; the Victorian music stand; the blanket chest with art-noveau carving (a great coffee table); the rectangular coffee table; the roll-top and secretary desks and a few more that have arrived in the past few weeks.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Bill

Redeux in Color

The Redeux garage shop has had a nearly complete turnover of inventory this past week or so. Our customers seem to really appreciate the work we do in restoring our pieces of vintage furniture.

Replenishing our stock of vintage furniture was very difficult, especially when keeping within our stated goal of providing good, useable vintage furniture at fair prices. But, we would not compromise our purpose – and it paid off. We now have perhaps our most interesting and eclectic collection of vintage furniture yet. And, we will be expanding our offerings.

We have in a very interestingly detailed cedar chest that would make a super coffee table, blanket chest or, come to think of it, a “hope chest”. It was made by the Stewart Furniture Company of Ohio which operated between 1900 and 1950. There is an art deco type of carving on the front.

A lovely, round table, painted with a beautiful floral design is new to the shop. It’s a great card or side accent table. It is about 20 inches in diameter and has legs that fold. This piece dates from 1942.

Also just in is a chiffarobe. Once a very popular furniture piece, the chiffarobe is enjoying a comeback as an accent piece, guest room closet, baby room organizer, etc. Less tall than a typical armoire, the chiffarobe has one side containing drawers and the other an area to hang clothes. This piece seems to date from the 1920’s to 1930’s and has some very nice detailing. This will be the first piece of vintage furniture that I will paint. The decision to do this was at the urging of several “advisors” and also due to the fact that it was always a utilitarian piece of furniture with less emphasis on the type of wood used than on it being sturdy and very functional. Painting will bring it to a new level of beauty. This project will start when the humidity drops a bit. Special thanks go to my friend and on-call historian, Rachel Casillo, Barbara Orner, of Local Color in downtown Fairfield and, of course, to my favorite Redhead for urging me to make the decision to paint and in advising in the color choices.

There are several other new pieces that just came in including a nice chest, a painted cupboard and a nice little Empire-style oak side table. And a very special piece was also obtained that will require proper dating. It’s a bed that seems to be quite old, possibly dating to the early 19th century or even late 18th. Redeux searches every nook and cranny for great pieces, but sometimes even we are surprised. This is a really much more than a vintage piece. I have it tucked away for now but it can be viewed if you are interested.

Coming soon to Redeux will be a limited number of quilts specially made for Redeux. Look for these sometime in late August or September.

Lastly, Redeux will be closed August 5 through 12. We will reopen the morning of August 13th.

Hope to see you soon. Stop by and visit…I really need that iced tea break!

Bill

Victorian chest,desk and music stand

The 1880-1900 (age approximated based upon dovetailing, etc) commode style chest with mirror, the petite secretary desk with glass display cabinet and the larger, Wanamaker secretary desk have all been finished and are ready for new homes.

The commode chest is very attractive and unusual. It is 36 inches wide and about 60 inches tall to the top of the mirror. It has 1 full width drawer, two half-width drawers and a half-width cabinet in the base section. Intricate hand carving on the mirror and very striking drawer pulls make this piece a real showpiece. It is made of oak and has small wheels on the feet.

Both secretary desks finished up nicely and are great additions to our selection of desks. Speaking of desks, I am still trying to better identify the roll top desk that just came in this past week. It has a barrel or cylindrical type roll top, i.e., it has a solid panel roll top rather than the typical slat rolls. It also has bun feet and several drawers in the base section and lots of cubby holes in the writing area. It appears to have been made in the late 1800’s but further research is needed. Stop by and take a peek. I hope to have it ready by this coming weekend.

We are still offering our dining tables / sets at very special prices in order to make room for soon to arrive stock.

The Victorian music stand is now ready for a very special home. It has some wear but is nonetheless a great piece and would really grace a living room, library or music room. The pull-out bin holds dividers for sheet music. A rare find!

Coming in this week are a painted cupboard, an interesting chest of drawers and a nice, compact wardrobe having a section in which to hang clothes and another containing drawers.

We had lots of visitors to Redeux this past week, many for the first time. It is always a pleasure to share information and furniture tips, to get an idea of where each piece that leaves the shop will be going and to just chat. And, I look forward to taking an iced tea break when you stop by, too!

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Bill

New Vintage Furniture Arrivals

This past week has been really productive at the Redeux garage. As I mentioned last week, many new items have arrived and progress is being made on getting them ready for you.

The oak medicine cabinet is ready. It’s quite sturdy, has two interior shelves inside and the exterior has a beveled glass mirror. It appears to be of pre-1930 vintage, possibly late 1800’s.

The mahogany chest and dresser are done. Both are in great condition and have interesting corner pillar detailing.

The Wanamaker secretary desk is just awaiting a replacement keyhole cover and lock that should be in before Wednesday. It shows beautifully.

A beautiful Sheraton-style sofa / coffee table is all set. Its great lines, gold leafing and wonderful condition make it a real show piece. It also has a glass top.

Two nice matching night tables made of mahogany are a nice addition to our inventory.

The walnut book-page table that I’ve been working on and redoing has finally come together. I’ve Tung oiled the top and left the original legs and stretchers with a shellac finish. While a bit unorthodox to have two different finishes on a single piece, I believe this displays the very unusual veneer work of the top part to its best advantage.

We also have a foot stool with carved legs and wonderfully turned wood leg stretchers. The top has a burgundy floral needlepoint. Make sure you take a look at this while it’s still available and before my favorite Redhead decides to keep it!

Not yet worked on is a Victorian-era music stand. Standing about four feet high it has a flat top with rail and a storage bin that opens to reveal several interior dividers that hold sheet music. It is painted flat black. This is a very interesting and unique piece.

Also awaiting attention is an oak commode / storage chest with an intricately carved wood mirror. This piece appears to date from the late 1800’s to about 1920. The style is similar to the other chest we have but the dovetailing, etc. seems to date it a bit later than that 1875-1890 piece. It would make a wonderful accent piece or could transform a guest room into something special. Additionally, the oak Pennsylvania, turn-of-the century made kitchen gate leg table is getting ready for its debut as is a just-arrived roll top desk. Great condition, lots of little drawers on top, large storage drawers underneath - old!! Please check the Redeux website for more inventory!

In stock we currently have three dining room sets. All come with chairs and are of differing styles. I need more room! So, each of these sets of tables and chairs are being offered for only $140.00 each. One set has a matching china cabinet and side board, which are selling separately, but will be sold at a very substantial discount if bought with the matching table and chair set. I need room!!

Several folks have recently said that they had wanted to stop by but did not see the yard sign displayed. Please feel free to stop whenever you see the garage doors up, sign or not. I’ll be in there at work on a new piece and you’re very welcome to drop by, browse, or just chat and have a cup of tea. Really! I’m often in there working on a piece Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

I would appreciate, too, if you bring kids –and they are always welcome – to keep them close at hand.

Redeux has now reached the two month mark! It has been everything I hoped for and more. It's been a continuous history lesson and a chance to see something created many years ago come alive once again with just a bit of attention and effort. You have allowed me the honor of taking these wonderful pieces of furniture – industrial art, really, restoring them and passing them on to you and your families. Thank you.

Bill

July 2

Our ability to get several pieces ready for your consideration continued these past several days despite the very unpredictable weather. Visitors to Redeux have been very understanding of the need to keep all the furniture inside rather than bring it to the outside display / working area. Thanks!

The small chest with drawers and open storage compartment that arrived last weekend is finished. Possibly dating from the late 1880’s, because of its “pin and cove” dovetailing, this chest has some “distressing” that appears not to have affected the structure. It’s been given a tung oil finish. While probably a bit older than most of our usual pieces, I couldn't help but bring it into the shop to fix up so it could find a new home. Also ready is the “book-page” walnut veneer stand. Next item on my "to do" list is the Wanamaker secretary desk.

Pictures of some of these and other pieces are posted here. The oak mission desk is very nice and would also make a very interesting accent piece. The “slipper case” chest would be a great coffee table and the Keystone table lamp with mica shade will bring color and style into any room in which it is placed.

This coming week Redeux will be receiving some very nice pieces. A few of your “special requests” may be satisfied with some of these, which will include a head and footboard for a full-size bed, chests, dining table and several other goodies. Stop by while I’m giving them a bit of TLC; I could always enjoy an iced tea break to chat!

Don't forget about our "special thank you" offer for active military personnel during this 4th of July weekend. If you know of any area military families needing furniture, please ask them to stop by.

Best regards,

Bill Giblin