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