Giving Thanks

These past few weeks at the Redeux workshop have been busy.  Several pieces of furniture have been restored and several others have found new homes.

Two pieces were refinished using custom stains. The first was the sideboard / server that had been sitting in the workshop for a few months awaiting refinishing. After removing the old, damaged shellac this piece was re-stained using first a special “plum mahogany” color and then finished off using a medium custom walnut stain. This process took a bit longer than a one-step staining, but the patina and graining were brought out wonderfully. Since this piece was made to be used around food and drinks, an old fashioned varnish was applied as a top coat. This finish should hold up much better than the original shellac finish. This server has already been given a new home. Because this piece turned out so well I decided to use the same process on a compact “half server”.  Dating from about the 1930’s or so, this piece has some interesting detail work and can serve in a number of functions. It really looks great.

Another piece that was given the spa treatment is an oak dresser. This sturdy chest has lots of character: great patina, crackled shellac finish (the real deal, not brought about by mixing glue with paint) and classic turn of the century lines. After giving this chest a deep, gentle cleaning and then a “wood feeding” using a special, all natural, Redeux gumbo mojo, this beauty will compliment any room.

During the winter I plan to work on several pieces that have been awaiting some TLC. There is an interesting vanity with mirror that appears to have been made by an individual rather than as a production piece, a small chest of drawers and the piece I have mentioned before that will be given a stenciled top. Each of these pieces will present new challenges and opportunities. But, they are worth it. I also plan during the winter to continue to search for the special pieces that some of you have been looking for.

The second year of the Redeux Garage/Workshop being open is drawing to a close. Soon, all work will be done in the lower level of our home. To each of you, whether you stopped by once or many times, I thank you. You have given me suggestions, encouragement to try new things and an appreciation for what I try to do – revive pieces from America’s past in order that they continue being used into the future.

Hope to see you soon,

Bill

Maine Writers

Last week, several days were spent up in Maine. In addition to visiting family, it was hoped that two other purposes would be fulfilled. First, that some of the special request items asked for by many of you could be found. Secondly, I really wanted to discover some new sources of interesting vintage furniture. The trip was a great success!

Many of you have been asking for something a bit different – interesting, unusual and functional furniture pieces. Desks and accent pieces were among the most asked for items.

The first little treasure found was a country table / desk. Painted black with some gold leafing and muted color stenciling this piece also has a nice center drawer and interesting scrolled back piece. It is accompanied by a complimentary chair, also painted in black. Both pieces display decades of use and color changes, yet remain sturdy and now ready for new life in a variety of settings.

The second piece is one of the more surprising that I have found in some time. At first glance it appeared to be a tall chest of drawers made of mahogany. It had some nice lines and seemed it would be worth the effort of the refinishing it badly needed. But, surprise, surprise! This was no ordinary chest of drawers. One of the “drawers” actually folds down and, with a gentle pull, reveals a very nice desk, complete with cubby holes. This was a first for me. This chest is made by Shower Brothers Furniture, at one time the largest manufacturer of furniture in the United States. The company was an innovator of many types of furniture. But, more importantly, was an innovator of workplace conditions for its many employees. It was founded in the late 1800’s and survived until the 1940’s.  Stop by and take a look at this piece. If interested, I will make every effort to have it ready before Christmas.

Another interesting piece that was recently finished is a mahogany chest, circa 1925-1935, that has Bakelite drawer handles and inlays of various woods. The curved top is quite unique and adds another dimension to this beautiful chest of drawers.

Several of you have noticed the white painted chest with the mirror standing in the back of the shop for several weeks and awaiting some TLC. Well, this petite, 1930’s era chest has been given the attention it needed. It has been given a facelift with the lightest shade of lemon chiffon paint and has had its mirror reinstalled. “Carolyn” is now ready for a new home and she promises to make any room feel like a cottage at the Cape. She is named after Carolyn, the young lady at the Traveler Bookstore Restaurant in Union, CT. Carolyn has been very helpful to me in locating books on refinishing and American made furniture from among the numerous volumes for sale in the Traveler’s Bookstore. It’s always one of our favorite “must do” stops on our trips to Maine. It is located just south of Sturbridge Village along I-84. After last week’s stop coming back from Maine, my library now includes a great book on refinishing period antiques and Shaker furniture design and finishes. Thanks again, Carolyn.

As the colder weather becomes more frequent, some of the work at Redeux may need to be done indoors rather than out in the shop. So, if you don’t see me out in the garage, I’m probably working in the lower level workroom inside. Just ring the doorbell.

Looking forward to seeing you again, soon!

Bill

Meyers - Briggs for Furniture

Meyers – Briggs is the psychological assessment of preferences and of how people perceive the world and make decisions. It is used by businesses, corporations and universities for job placements and individuals for career / job changing decisions.

The Meyers –Briggs test has been used with great success for many years and is particularly useful today for individuals needing to make job changes. But, the full potential of this test has not been reached until now. Redeux Vintage Furniture is now using this assessment for many of the furniture pieces coning into the shop. That’s right; Redeux looks at the Big Picture!

Some furniture pieces, like people, are quite happy doing what they are doing. But, some want a career change or a change of scenery. Sometimes both. Take for instance the piece pictured at top. Once it was consigned to heavy duty use in a country kitchen in Maine. After applying the M-B test it indicated that it was ready to relocate and was open for a job change such as office work, assisting a writer or to again take up residence in a cozy kitchen but with folks that really appreciated it.

The Mission Desk also is benefiting from M-B. Once relegated to a school, this fellow is seeking something in a more genteel setting. Perhaps a university office or a home office or library would be more to his liking. He loves books.

Thanks to my friend Cheryl Schwartz for introducing me to Meyers- Briggs. I’ll bet she never considered its potential in furniture restoration!

Several folks that admired the small corner hutch we had a while back have asked me to try to find another. Here it is! It will work great in smaller dining rooms or kitchens for displaying your special pottery, cookbooks, etc.

A small rocker is now ready. This little guy has been hanging around the Redeux shop for a while, just begging for attention. It’s now available for a new home and would be ideal for more petite ladies or older children. This style rocker was originally used for quilters/sewers and/or mothers.

Several pieces are in the process of being painted. Redeux is experimenting with a new line of water-based and also a natural oil-based paint product. Stop by to see the work and the pieces now available.The above photo shows a re-worked table / bench that would be ideal for several uses including a display piece for collectibles, photos, plants, or to hold a t.v. or audio equipment. In the right setting it might also be a very interesting coffee type table. It will have a black painted top (first coat shown) and a natural finish on the legs and apron.

With Fall now here I am working as quickly as possible to catch up on furniture pieces folks have asked for as well as some pieces needing stripping. In addition to our Wednesday through Saturday hours, look for our “Rocking Chair” sign on the garage that indicates work is going on inside. Stop in!

Hope to see you again soon. Tea is always on.

Bill

An American Princess

Have you ever seen a photograph of an aged princess and wondered what she might have looked like in her youth?


On our recent trip to Maine we actually met one. When we first met her she was sitting, aloof, by herself. There were a few acquaintances of hers, recently met, hovering nearby, but none had any real idea of who she was…or had been. How could they?

Scars from some unfortunate accident mingled with those of abuse. How this might have happened to such a one as her is anyone’s guess. But, happen it did. Some type of reconstructive surgery had not gone well, either. When the Redhead and I approached her she started to tremble a bit. Her legs, while still shapely, were weak from age and seemed barely able to support her. “How are you”, we asked, not knowing what else to say. No answer. She knew we could see for ourselves how she was. Bending down, I asked if there was anything we could do for her. Quietly, very slowly, she answered, “Take me away from here”. We did. A request from a princess cannot be refused.

Grace is a true American Princess (yes, America does have princesses). She has the lineage of a somewhat rural bloodline, rather than that of a capitol city such as New York, Boston or Philadelphia. Yet, the signs are there. Grace is now undergoing some surgery and spa treatment at Redeux. She welcomes visitors, even during this sometimes painful period. Such a lady! After her makeover, Grace, herself, will choose where she will reside in the future. Isn’t that just the way with royalty!

Hitching a ride back from Maine with Princess Grace were two sturdy fellows. One was an oak Mission style desk and the other was a nice looking, compact, farm table that could very well be a desk since it has a nice drawer. It, too, is made from oak. The desk should be ready by this weekend. The table can be ready soon afterwards.

Just back from the spa is a display cabinet / bookcase. With glass doors and sides it can really show off any collection. It is finished in a nice shade of green with black distressed undertones. Small wheels add to its charm and convenience.


Some folks have asked for pieces that would be a nice addition to a hallway or entryway. Two of our large mirrored chests would do very nicely. One has a marble top. Both have plenty of room for gloves, scarves, umbrellas or would make a handy place for arriving guests to place their hats, etc. Of course, being practical additions to a dining room or large bedroom would be suitable as well. Stop by and take a look.


Hope to see you again very soon!


Best regards,


Bill

The War is Over...

The war is over. America is victorious. Time to return to a peaceful life. Back to work, starting a family, building things not meant for the military.


2010?  No, it’s 1946 and a Connecticut furniture manufacturer starts to once again build furniture for the home. One of these items is a country-style cupboard made of solid maple. But, memories of the war years are still very fresh and the builders of this cupboard decide to add a special something – something to commemorate what had just been accomplished. An American eagle, carrying a victory banner, is the final touch and tribute to those men and women who gave so much. For those that came home to work for and in America, a better symbol could not be found.

It was an honor to work on this piece and to give it a new, yet timeless, look. Painted a special Redeux Barn Red, this solid wood cupboard is ready, once again, for active duty.

Redeux has located several smaller dressers and chests that will be painted. Of course, refinishing beautiful furniture with stains, shellacs, oils, varnishes and waxes will always take place at Redeux. But, we are ever mindful of the importance color took in the lives of our ancestors, especially those New Englanders looking to brighten drab winters. So, we are going to add some splashes of color that may remind you of what you see around you at various times of year: barn reds, oak leaf gold, yellow and orange, moss greens. If you have a color in mind for a special piece, let me know.

A china cabinet has just been spruced up with a spicy orange interior that really highlights the cabinet’s natural wood grain. It also has a lighted interior to show off your collectibles and crockery!

Our Ladies’ Writing Desk has just returned from having a few days at the Redeux Spa. The writing portion of the desk has been lightly sanded to remove some surface scratches and then given a durable varnish finish. Patina and normal wear indications have been left intact. It looks great.


I look forward to seeing you soon!


Bill

Diamonds in the Rough

Last week The Redhead and I were up in Maine visiting family. No trip up North seems complete without at least a quick search for some buried treasure – some special piece of American vintage furniture that may need a little Redeux TLC to make it, once again, someone’s prized possession. A treasure we did surely find.

Several generations ago – before the internet, the telephone and certainly before the “electronic hearth” (a term heard at this weekend’s Podunk Bluegrass Festival in East Hartford to describe televisions) replaced real conversations and correspondence – people wrote letters. With real paper and real ink. It took time. But people took the time because sending someone a letter or note was important. Most often, folks had a special place in which they preferred to write. To have a real writing desk was both a luxury and a blessing. A desk to keep your pens, papers, diaries, stamps and other necessities for writing let you retreat into a special place – allowing you to converse with another – on paper. There is nothing like it. Having a hand-written letter from someone is really having a piece of them to hold on to forever. Our latest Maine search turned up something quite extraordinary – a virtual time machine. We found a truly vintage Ladies Writing Desk made of mahogany and having the required nooks and crannies, sliding writing surface and elegantly turned legs and beadwork trim to make this someone’s “special place” once again.

Once back home our search for special pieces did not end. Several folks asked me to keep an eye out for a drop-leaf table with leaves that would accommodate larger gatherings. Finally, I located a beauty. Having saber-type legs capped in brass, this table can accommodate from two to probably ten people. It comes with 4 chairs with nice floral printed seats.

A compact server was also found. Nicely detailed, this server is a great dining room, hall or living room piece. For those needing a full-sized server (side-board), we now have two in stock. Both are striking.

Despite the really warm weather, a tall oak dresser with clear glass knobs was finally finished and is ready for a new home.

A Nichols and Stone rocker is also ready as well as a B. Altman red painted Windsor style side chair. Just in, too, is a china display cabinet. The large glass front and light interior really shows off your china or collectibles.


You may have noticed that Winthrop style slant front desk sitting in the corner for some time. I just could not figure what would be best for it to show it off and make it beautiful once again. Decision made… it will be painted. Researching my traditional furniture style books, painting this is in keeping with Federal period tastes and applications. Possible colors are green(s), red or maybe, black. If interested in this piece and would like a particular color, see me asap!


This week, weather permitting, I will be stripping several pieces and prepping others for painting.  Stop by.


Hope to see you soon!


Bill

PolyAnna

Hot summer days are meant for iced tea, shady nooks and good books. Yet, when work calls it’s best to tackle it head on.


Stripping furniture is one of those jobs that is never very easy and one is usually surprised at what is found when it is finished. My last project provided surprises from beginning to end.

 Discovered in the corner of a yard filled mostly with debris, the dark wood drop-leaf table had stains, water marks and a few scars covering its entirety. Yet, it still had a certain style and grace. Another orphan adopted and taken home to the Redeux furniture health spa.

Having turned legs and elegantly shaped oval top this piece promised to be a classic colonial-styled side table and its trapezoid-shaped candle drawer was an unexpected detail. So, after a week or so of studying its lines and figuring each step of the makeover out came my scrapers, can of stripper and safety gear. First leg – done. Second leg nothing happened. Hmm, more stripper applied. Nothing. What the heck! Please, don’t let it be. Yes, polyurethane - sometimes under the old varnish, mostly over it. 90 degrees and I’m trying to scrap off plastic. A quick run to the paint store to get the “heavy duty plastic coating remover” and I was ready to finish the job before the sun set. Ten sunsets later the table was just getting its cleansing bath to rid it of remnants of heavy-duty plastic remover – most often referred to as polyurethane stripper.


Many steps and much time later, this classic beauty is now ready for a new home. Life lesson: when faced with refinishing a really good piece of furniture don’t be a PolyAnna - use shellac or varnish, please! Otherwise, 40 or 50 years later some grown man will shed bitter tears when trying to revive your little beauty.

Also just finished is a nice little country pine chest that is perfect for a small guest room or as an occasional piece. We have, also, a honey toned mirror with brass corner decorations that would go nicely with this piece.

A Nichols and Stone side chair with a gilt painting was a rare find. Black with gold accents and a charming country village scene painted on the back, this chair is a great accent piece or guest room addition.

These past few months many new faces, in addition to our old friends, have stopped by at Redeux. Two questions almost always are asked: where do I find all of my pieces and how and why did I start Redeux.

Honestly, each piece that makes its way to Redeux has its own story. Having a real love for vintage American-made furniture, I search for interesting, quality furniture every time I leave the house. Often, pieces turn up in the most unlikely of places.

As for how I started Redeux, partly the reason was that I wanted to do something that, to me, mattered. But wanting to do something and actually doing it is something else. I talked to many people about the practical aspects of starting something like Redeux (see my first blog entry, Getting It). But, the main inspiration for starting Redeux came from Joan, the owner of an antique / gift shop, Country Treasures, in Pound Ridge, NY. A quiet, lovely woman, Joan started her shop at the same age that I thought of starting Redeux. Joan said it was never too late to make a dream come true. She was right.

I’m fortunate to know Joan as a friend and much more. The Redhead knows her as, Mom.

Charles Shackleton and Miranda Thomas are a husband and wife team that make incredible furniture and pottery in Vermont. Using natural materials, their hand made products are truly heirloom quality. We’re fortunate to own several of their pieces and will treasure them always, as will generations after us. Both Charles and Miranda are wonderful people that truly put their heart and spirit into each piece they design and build. Check their website and, if possible, support these fine craftspeople by buying hand crafted American made furniture.


http://www.shackletonthomas.com/news.detail.php?news_id=42

New pieces arrive weekly, so stop by and see them from start to finish.

Tea, iced or hot is always on!


Best wishes and hope to see you all soon.


Bill

Beauty from a Beast

This past week several pieces of furniture that seemed to have serious problems turned out to be real treasures and, in one case, was the impetus to explore offering another level of beautifully restored Redeux vintage furniture.

The first piece to drive me a bit crazy was a compact chest or console (see the "before photo above and the "after" photo at top of this Posting). Very different from most anything I’ve had so far, this piece mixes woods – solids and veneers, styles – carved drawer fronts mixed with carved and molding details elsewhere, and turnings. And somehow it all comes together into a really eye-catching piece of art furniture. The first problem encountered was the chipped top veneer. Having experienced this before with other pieces such as “The Three-Legged Dog” (see previous posting), this piece had something about it that demanded it be saved and preserved as best as possible rather than scraped. This required first a very careful removal of years of old shellac / varnish. Next was re-staining the top and applying several coats of shellac. The top was then finished with a hand waxing. The drawers, once so badly covered in grime that the type of wood could not be determined, were restored to reveal the carvings and moldings. The base, with its wonderfully turned legs, was likewise restored. This piece will be fitted with a glass top to protect it for years to come.


Restored and immediately placed with a new home was a coffee table with carved legs and leather top. Several days in the Redeux Spa fixed a mahogany top that had been badly damaged by water / liquids and rejuvenated the leather top that had wear and tear typical of 60 -70 years or older leather. The Redhead was sorry to see this baby leave.

One of the benefits of Redeux is the interaction with all of you. Ideas, suggestions and lots of encouragement have been given to me and all of it is appreciated. Last week Gina came by to look at several painted pieces. While looking at them she noticed the tall dresser that seems to have a Dutch influenced design, stained a brown-orange (sounds odd but really works well with this piece) but has a painted top. It is the top that does not work and has been awaiting just the right approach to fixing it. Gina suggested painting a design on it rather than a solid color. The “Aha” moment had arrived. Next week a noted area folk-artist will take a look at it and we’ll come up with a solution that will make this piece a one-of-a-kind treasure. If interested in this piece let me know.


Recently arrived at Redeux are:


A very nice secretary desk made by the old Maddox Tables and Colonial Reproductions of Jamestown, NY. It’s in very nice condition and has the key to lock the top and each of the drawers!


A drop leaf gate-leg table will be undergoing the treatment soon. This piece promises to be a real beauty.

Finding a Bent Bros. chair is always nice and I just found a nice little maple chair that has some nice turnings. Bent Chair Company went out of business about ten years ago and is yet another of the great Gardner, MA furniture manufacturers gone forever.


For those having an office or classroom setting and in need of a filing cabinet, I have one for you. Made of oak with a glass front, this cabinet stands about six feet high and has storage below the numbered file slots. Artists and collectors may find this piece useful, too. Beautiful and different!

Bring the spa to your home with an “Astro-Bilt” make–up table and chair. Dating from the early 1950’s, ladies can paint their nails using the convenient swing out arm rests for ultimate comfort! It comes with a nice low-backed chair.

If you have a piece of Redeux furniture we'd love to have a picture of it where you now have it and are using it. Stop by with a photo anytime or just email it to me. The Redhead and I would enjoy having a display showing where all our little treasures have found new homes and new uses!

As always, your comments and suggestions are very welcomed and appreciated.

Looking forward to seeing you very soon!

Bill

Past Mistakes

Have you ever made a mistake and not been aware of it? Or done something wrong and just couldn’t figure out how to make it right? Sometimes, it may take one hundred years or so for somebody to find out.

Recently, I picked up a rather interesting oak china cabinet. It seemed to be about a century old and more of a “country “piece than a fancy display cabinet. Oddities were everywhere found – inside and out. Small nails had been hammered into the inside back of the cabinet along the top edge. Something had been hung on these nails. Could it have possibly been dipped candles being suspended by their strings? Below these nails were also numerous tacks - all in a straight line along the back and side boards. A scrap of tell-tale paper, still affixed to a tack and wedged into a seam, gave away their purpose. Someone, a long time ago, felt the inside of the cabinet needed to be “gussied up”. Tack up some decorative paper and…Voila!

Yet, what nagged at me most was the fact that the cabinet doors just could not latch. The small cast iron hook just didn’t stay up in order to grab the lip of the retaining plate. Perhaps an interior spring had broken. Nowhere could I locate a replacement part for this piece. So, the next best thing would be to try to make one. So, off came the iron hook for closer inspection. A small retaining pin held the hook and base parts together and was easily removed. No springs. Nothing. The hook was end-weighted so that it simply dropped down. But, it needed to go upwards to catch the retaining plate.

Now, Mrs. Giblin did not raise a fool. It did not take me all day to figure that the hook had to be reversed in order to drop and that the retaining plate had to be on top of the shelf – not under it. Had somebody incorrectly changed the position of the hook when, perhaps, cleaning the cabinet doors? No. It had been installed that way from the day it was built - upside down. And, the original owner/builder just could not figure it out. That accounted for the eye and hook they later added to keep the door closed. 100 years to discover a mistake that must have bothered several generations.

Finding that mistake led to something else…the realization that this cabinet, with its quirks and oddities, was hand made -this was no production piece.

 

Sometimes it’s the flaws that make something special, one-of-a kind, something to be treasured and more valuable.

Stop by soon,

Bill

Uncovered Beauty

Last week’s reopening of the Redeux garage after the long winter was a great success. Many friends from last year stopped by and quite a few new faces were drawn to the shop when they saw the activity going on inside. Seeing you all, having a chat and sometimes having a cup of tea is really part of the fun at Redeux.


Lately, we’ve had quite a few folks asking about queen sized bed frames. Since they are the most popular bed size in the U.S. today, most folks hold on to them or pass them down. Thus, we see less of them on the secondary market. Twin size beds are very commonly found for a variety of reasons. But, the main reason that Redeux does not usually have them is that they are too “new”. The Simmons Company introduced the first standardized queen sized mattress in 1958. At Redeux we have “vintage” furniture. I’d like to keep thinking that vintage still means older than me! The Redhead has her own thoughts on that.

Just acquired is an interesting little make-up table with chair. It is made mostly of pine and has a lovely golden patina of a natural finish. Made by “Aristo-Bilt” furniture, one of the first and best made “self-assembled” furniture companies in the USA. Introduced in 1941, the “Aristo-Bilt” brand was first registered in 1947. This was likely due to being engaged in other manufacturing during the war years. Aristo-Bilt remained a popular and sought after furniture line through the 1950’s or so. This piece is in overall wonderful condition with a minor flaw at the bottom of one leg – the likely result of someone’s or something’s teething. This piece should be ready by next week.

Completed this week is a really nice cabinet / bookcase. When first found, it was black with age and grime and had some unsightly scratches on the top. It appeared to be mahogany but it was difficult to tell. Well, after stripping off the old varnish and grime and some very judicious sanding of the deep scratches (I avoid sanding on real antiques and important pieces and use this method sparingly on some vintage furniture), a real little beauty was uncovered. The mahogany has a beautiful patina and an unexpected raised detail appliqué of what seems to be burled maple highlights the front on either side of the glass door. A light stain was added to bring out the beauty of both wood types and small castor wheels were added on the bottom for additional functionality. The piece was then given a hand-waxed finish. Lovely!

This week Redeux will be open from
11:00 A.M. until 5:30 P.M. Wednesday through Friday.
This Saturday we will be open only until 12:00 noon.

I hope to see you soon!

Bill

Redeux is Back

Winter’s gone. Spring is here. The birds are back and so is Redeux!The Redeux “Garage” will open its doors for the new season again Friday morning, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st at 9:00 A.M.

From then on you can stop by the Redeux workshop

Wednesday through Friday 12:00 - 5:30 P.M.
Saturday 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Remember to look for the signs or call 203-414-1727!

There are lots of interesting pieces including dressers, chests, cabinets, bookcases, coffee tables and chairs that have been refinished and restored these past few months. Also, there are a number of other pieces still being worked on – some to be painted. For these, color choices are still available.

During the past several months I have been busy not only working on the several pieces found during this past winter but also learning some new techniques and researching American furniture companies. It’s been a journey into the past and a look into the future.

Amesbury, Massachusetts is home to Chatham Furniture. Owner Paul Kapela and his partner, Russell recently gave me a tour of the factory. We went from the lumber receiving room to the assembly and finishing areas to the final inspection and shipping areas. Quality materials, skilled craftsmanship and attention to every detail were evident in each piece of furniture bearing the Chatham name. Because of my interest in restoring older furniture, I really wanted to see just how a Chatham piece was put together. Modern, state of the art, wood working machinery produces parts with incredible precision. Sanding is done in such a way that even the unfinished wood parts have a glass-like smoothness. Special stains and finishes are applied by a master craftsman. Each piece during manufacturing is inspected and re-inspected for quality. American materials. American craftsman. An American company. We own a piece of Chatham furniture – bought before ever having met Paul. It is, simply, one of the finest pieces of furniture I’ve ever owned. Having seen how it was made and having met the folks who made it makes it an even more treasured piece. To view the Chatham Furniture catalog click here: Chatham Furniture

Paul or one of his assistants will happily answer your email enquiries about contacting a nearby Chatham dealer.

On another note, the famous and excellent Nichols and Stone Chair Company of Gardner, Massachusetts is no longer. Its designs and logo were sold to another company which may manufacture overseas. However, the quality of Nichols and Stone is gone forever. And, so are the jobs of its workers. The factory was demolished this past December. Redeux Vintage American Furniture will do everything possible to acquire and restore furniture from this wonderful American company.


I cannot say too often how important it is for us, all of us, to “Buy American”.  Please, support American manufacturing.

Hope you can stop by this weekend. I’m really looking forward to seeing you again!

Best regards,
Bill

Adopting a Dog

Taking refinishing lessons from Gary Wood, master- wood worker from New Hampshire, has been a two-edged sword. Stains, dyes, waxes and every conceivable type of finish are part of the tools of his trade. Blending age-old techniques and materials with modern knowledge and his own formulas, Wood brings unexpected life to every piece of furniture he touches. Learning from him has been both an invaluable experience and a reminder of how much more there is to learn.

One of my more recent finds was the dresser that was mentioned in a recent Redeux blog post. That piece has benefited from Woods’ instruction and has also taught me a few lessons.

Used and abused, this piece of furniture had so many issues that after it was really inspected it came close to being abandoned for scrap. Close, but not quite.

The top, as shown in the photos, was damaged with burns, had its finish damaged with various liquids and was stained. The frame had come loose as did also the drawers. An assortment of nails and screws had been inserted here and there over the decades and the original drawer hardware had been replaced with some type of appliance or auto door handles. Lovely. When it was picked up must have been a day I wanted a real challenge or thought it would be a better substitute than adopting a stray dog - which The Redhead has been hinting at. At least this dog had no fleas!

The first step at restoration was stripping the old finish then strengthening and re-setting the frame. Next was filling the various holes and then on to the burn mark and stain remediation. This was done by a combination of judicious sanding (only as a last resort) and applying several colors of oil-based wood stain. This took a surprising bit of time and effort. Next, came applying several coats of shellac. Using techniques taught by Wood, the dresser really started to look like something. The finish was completed by adding a hand-rubbed wax top-coat.

Still bearing some healed scars like a battle tested warrior, this dresser went from junk yard dog to a lovely piece of vintage furniture... ready again for many years of service!

Oh, and the biggest lesson this piece taught me? Never, ever, pick out pieces for Redeux the same day that The Redhead has been talking about rescuing an unwanted dog!

Other pieces about to be restored are a small drop-leaf side table, a wheeled serving cart and a chiffarobe. This last piece will be painted. If you have been looking for a piece like this and have a color choice let me know. Also just in is an interesting mahogany coffee table. This piece has a leather inlay top and very interesting carved legs. It appears to be at least 70 years old.

Spring seems just around the corner and with it comes the return to the garage shop. If you are thinking about picking up a nice piece of vintage furniture for the spring you may want to check out our current inventory now. It would be worthwhile to us both!

Remember – when the Rocking Chair sign is out in front…I’m hard at work inside. Stop by, say hello and see what’s being given the Redeux treatment!

Looking forward to seeing you soon,

Bill

Avoiding Furniture Damage

Refinishing and restoring furniture reveals that most defects, blemishes and damage can be corrected or at least minimized. Doing so while still protecting and preserving the initial integrity and antique or vintage quality of a piece requires much thought, skill and understanding of what, exactly, a piece is. It is interesting, too, to find how much damage is often done to furniture by either neglect or willingly. The vintage piece I am currently working on is a prime example of both types of damage often found by furniture restorers.

Initially, most apparent was the damage visible to the dresser's top and the improper installation of drawer hardware. The top damage seems to be the result of perfumes and other liquids having an alcohol base spilling and leaking onto the wood surface. Besides damaging the varnish / shellac finish, there is some stain damage to the underlying wood. This is likely the result of some of the spilled products having had a tint added to their ingredients or of having sat in one place on the dresser for an extended time. Other discovered damage included holes drilled into the drawer fronts to accommodate the mismatched hardware, duct tape used to secure loose drawer bottoms and some nails used to strengthen drawer joints. All of this damage was very unnecessary.

Here are some simple tips in order to avoid some of these very common problems on your own furniture:

Always use a make-up tray to store your perfumes, lotions, after-shaves, etc. These can be very simple trays or more elaborate, decorative trays with glass, mirrored or stone bottoms. Whatever the material, the bottoms of the tray should be non-porous.

Never place a hot or cold cup or glass on furniture. Always use coasters or pads.

Tighten drawer pulls and handles properly. Loose hardware can damage the furniture finish when it moves from side to side.

If a drawer is loose do not nail it. Instead, use the correct type of glue: carpenters glue or hide glue. Never use “crazy glue” or duct tape on your furniture.

Use a quality furniture polish or wax sparingly on your furniture. Avoid using products with silicone. They do make the wood look shiny but they also choke it. Mostly, dusting is sufficient with only periodic, once or twice per year, polishing or waxing.

If you have any questions about what to do with a particular piece call me or stop by. Remember to look for the Redeux Rocking Chair sign out front. When it's up...I'm in. Stop and say hello!

Now, back to the Redeux Spa to continue restoring my newest treasure!

Getting off the rocker

Have you ever come to the realization that too large an amount of time has passed while you were distracted from what you were supposed to be doing? Exactly that happened while moving the furniture to the Redeux “winter quarters”.

Had I known how much stuff had been accumulated in the workroom and how long it would take to get rid of or organize, I would have started in August rather than December! It wasn’t a complete loss, however. A photo album of the kids when they were little (how did that get there?) and a few other interesting tidbits were found, making the effort all worthwhile. In addition, an older Oreck air filter was found and put into use again. The “Redeux workroom” has never been better.

During these past few weeks I also managed to take a class on wood finishes with a master wood worker/restorer from Vermont. Several interesting tips, methods and insights, as well as being introduced to some great materials – waxes, stains and various sandpapers, made the time spent very worthwhile.

Now, back to work. I need it.

Working with the furniture has always been a pleasure. But, it has become more. Each piece I touch brings thoughts of the many folks that built it and then used it over the many decades. When it leaves Redeux, each piece begins a new life. And I wonder, where it will be and who will be using it 20, 40 or 100 years from now.

Redeux started as a hobby. Each of you has made it a gift.

Since getting back to work a nice little oak chest has been given the “Redeux treatment”. A new set of period-correct hardware pulls were also installed. There is some checking and board shrinkage on the top that adds character. See the photo.

Just in is a dresser that appears to be 80-100 years old. It has legs with wheels and a small top crown. The current hardware is not original and does not match. After re-working it, this piece will be given proper hardware. It may be made of cherry, but, only after some work will I be able to tell. It’s very nice, with graceful, simple lines.

Several of you on the list have asked when you can come around and take a look at some pieces. The idea of putting the tag sale sign in front of the garage doors did not work well. So, give me a call to arrange a time. Or, if passing by, look for the red sign with a rocking chair hanging in front of the garage. Then, I’m inside working away. Come around to the back or ring the front doorbell. Again, this is only for you folks that have been by before and are on the list.

I look forward to seeing you and... tea is always on!

Bill