Duncan Phyfe Styled Lamp Table

This cute little jewel has curves in all the right places. She's been in the customer's family, so despite her collection of blemishes and "wrinkles" she owns a respected place in the dining-living area of their home. As you may be able to see, she originally radiated Red Mahogany from underneath a factory lacquered finish. Even as I was transporting her to the shop she brimmed with excitement and enthusiasm--obviously anticipating her timely face-lift.

Here are some close-ups of her distinguishing characteristics, but take a good look because in less than ten days you won't recognize her. Here's an accurate pic of the way her top surface looks now (right), and (above, left) her pedestal base and upper leg structure (Yes, I know that's embarrassing--She's really shy!). She has a broken leg too (left, below...Wow, that looks painful), and somewhere along the path of her "world travels" she lost one foot and a "slipper"...(I told her an alligator story won't work here).

...and yes, that's a close-up (below) of one of her brass "slippers." These are genuine antiques, so the replacement will be a reproduction--but an excellent one. Nobody will ever know the difference--(and, shush...nor will she).


That's Wood Talking for today. Check back; we're gonna have so much fun!

It's a proud red oak single-pedestal dining table. This one's vintage--probably 1920-30's--and it's solid oak through and through; no veneer anywhere on this honey. It's the real McCoy! At one point the previous owner split the table's "ways" (slides) underneath; the two halves of the top were secured (with a metal fastening system) to prevent it from opening. So, it no longer accommodates a (probably) 12-14" width leaf. That mechanism will be left in place for now, but an appropriate replacement leaf (and ways) can be made and reintroduced in the future if, if...(The table yearns for past glories, but I've encouraged it to continue being patient...since time and perseverance is definitely and persuasively on its side!)

My customer explains how this piece belonged to some family members. At one point it reportedly sat out in a yard through the rain and weather. Surprisingly there is little separation in its joints despite the inappropriate disrespect. The finish right now is lacquer, but it appears to have been redone at some previous point, so the original finish could easily have been a varnish or, desirably, a fine oil with and a beeswax rubbed finish.

It has a variety of little "battle scars." (see pic, top left) Literally all of these have been filled, previous to this repair, or previously sanded from its surface. They will still be there to tell their story, but just under the protective surface of this new effort. It will be finished in a natural look, lighter in tone than what you see being removed in these pictures, a hand-rubbed lacquer to soften its visuals and feel. It'll be "soft and warm" consistent with the finishing "flavor" and patina of the period into which this beauty was born.


That's Wood Talkin for today. Keep checkin in--and listening!