Works in Progress

There's something very satisfying about taking what was once a beautiful piece of furniture that has fallen on hard times and restoring it to its former glory. It's time intensive, dirty work, but the final product is worth the effort - at least to me. Here are two recent projects with more planned.

I wish I had thought to photograph the sideboard when each door was in six pieces. Some time in the past, someone had tried to staple, and use duct tape and rubber cement to put the pieces together. After removing the evidence of those failed efforts, I have reassembled the doors and finished the drawers. The original hardware for the doors was missing when I found this neglected beauty. I ordered pulls that were the best match that I could find to the drawer pulls, which I believe are original.

Not pictured, is a beautiful backboard. I have a tendency to underestimate the time involved in projects. Having said that, I think that this solid oak sideboard/buffet will be ready for its new home in two weeks - about the middle of November. You'll get to see the finished product.


A labor of love...

I expected the pine, but when the final (fourth) layer of paint was removed, the walnut pulls were a wonderful surprise. One pull was missing but I was able to find a replacement that is such a close match that it's hard to tell the difference.

Knapp joint

The Knapp joint is the result of a joint making machine invented by Charles Knapp in 1867. In 1870 he sold the rights of an improved version to a group of investors in Northampton, Mass. The machine went into large-scale production in 1871 allowing a skilled cabinetmaker to vastly increase his output. The drawer joint was seldom used after 1905 - helping to date this dresser as being between 105 and 139 years old.

The dresser went to its new home this week, sure to be cherished, probably in much the same way as when it was first made so very long ago.

Meg stops by

Meg took time out from her new endeavor, Stay Sew Creative, to play a tune on the "new" five-stringed, six string guitar. It (she) actually sounds pretty good.

Check This Out!

At 23 1/2 inches high, 11 1/2 inches wide and 9 1/4 inches deep, this piece is the perfect size to fit anywhere. Three small drawers allow for a little bit of storage.

This appears to be hand-carved pine. The wear patterns add character and charm. Not sure of the origin, but would guess Central America.

From the side.

Drawer detail.

My older granddaughter loves this vintage mahogany side table. She thinks the cutouts on the sides are sooo pretty.

Wrenches

The lower two wrenches are Coes wrenches, made in Worcester. This style was patented by Loring Coes in 1841. It was an improvement over existing wrenches in that it allowed the user to make adjustments with only one hand - the hand using the tool. According to New England Families Genealogical and Memorial: a Record of the Achievements of Her People in the Making of Commonwealths and the Founding of a Nation by William Richard Cutter, in 1914 the Coes Wrench Co. produced 3,600 wrenches - four and a half tons - daily, was the largest wrench shop in the world and employed 190 people, mostly skilled machinists and mechanics.
The top wrench was made by Whitman & Barnes a well-known manufacturer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was located in New York state.

The advertisement above appeared in Railway Shop Up To Date by Maham H. Haig, published in 1907 by the Crandall Publishing Company.

"New" This Week

We've made a vow to become better about posting. Each week, something "new" arrives at Aunt Lizzie's, and we will try to give you a pictorial sampling of the treasures that we've found. So check back often to see if what we've found is one of the treasures that you have been looking for!

Stanley Snail Has Arrived In North Brookfield

Too cute for words! From the Mama and Papa Company, this colorful rocker is made of soft velour fabric, with wooden handgrips. It plays the song “You Are My Sunshine.” The seat is 12” from the floor, and the rocker is 27" long by 14” wide by 20" tall. It is designed for use by children 9 mos. old and up with adult supervision.
Stanley Snail.can go home with you just in time for the holidays for only $50, which is a steal as the MSRP is around $100.
Stan is in great condition and looks as though he was used very little. If you're interested in making Stan a part of your family, stop in to meet him or contact us.