A Federali Oopsie!?

Here's a substantial piece.
It's a round, solid walnut coffee table which appears to be something of a hybrid in style. It's legs hint "of the Brothers Adam" style, i.e., of historically British origination (1760's). They speak of strength, grace, and durability not to mention sophistication. "(Across the pond" this style's impact became known as the "Federal Style" or motif for its influence on architectural designs here in the United States. The style was particularly known for the way it integrated interior decorating and exterior architectural designs.) But this muscular beauty appears to add some contemporary Western "salt" as well. (Someone correct me here if I have this wrong.)

In such heavy and rugged type of pieces the bumps and bruises generally add to "character," i.e., beauty marks. But this one's oopsie, a 1/4" X 1" nasty gouge in the top (see the picture), is probably over the top--no pun intended--and does require some helpful intervention. My customer had me evaluate this situation in the customer's home. There was clearly the option to clear-fill and cosmetically finish the surface at that time. However, given some other observations related to its surface our discussion led us both to conclude that a top surface refinish was probably the wisest option.

So, the goal: remove the top surface's finish, re-stain and refinish it to match the surrounds. It will be the same lovely piece with its strong and graceful lines. We'll preserve its character--including the distressing and surface irregularities that time and circumstances have brought to it--but the depth and abruptness of that nasty surface "insult" will be gone.

You'll want to take special note of the pentagonal (five-sided) leg and brace configuration below the table's surface (see the picture). It's just plain fun, albeit quite distinguishing and highly memorable!

OK. That's today's Wood Talkin...are you listenin?

Dick