Since today was such a warm, dry day I pulled this baby out of the garage and started priming. When I took out the drawer I found this writing on the bottom.
I can't make out the names but it's marked #341. I have to do some more research to find out if the table is really antique. I'm so curious! Since this discovery I started to regret painting the table. Do you think the Antiques Road Show police will be knocking at my door? Bye, bye original patina!
I have to finish up the paint job and then I'll be sure to reveal it here soon. I would love to hear your opinion on painting or refinishing antique furniture...
Thanks for visiting!
I'm linking to:
It's definitely a pretty table and a great find for $20.00!
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful Monday!
: )
Julie M.
Don't regret anything! You had a vision and I liked your vision. I would continue to paint it and enjoy the table!
ReplyDeleteHi, Sarah, that is a great looking piece. A true antique is 100 years old or older, so I doubt your table is anything really valuable, so you should be fine to paint it. I've painted plenty of things & it usually improves them, so I say go ahead & make it work for you.
ReplyDeleteThe definition of antique varies widely. Anything made before 1950 generally qualifies. If the piece is fairly modern (using Rhoda's definition) and well-used, I wouldn't sweat turning it into a craft project. I'd be interested in seeing the writing more clearly...
ReplyDeleteAntique Timeline
I say go for it as far as painting the table goes! It should make you happy and serve your needs. To me, a "true antique" fits the 100 year old minimum qualification. Do you know what type of wood it is and what type of finish was used?
ReplyDeleteGreat find! I think it will look fabulous yellow!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I'm all for painting it! When these pieces were made, they were intended to be used and loved - I think the important thing here is that you will use it and love it.
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYour table was most likely made in the 1930s. It is of that style. I have been restoring antiques for about 35 years, so I run across similar ones once in a while.
So is it an antique? Well,that depends on your definition. The old rule of thumb (from 35 years ago) was that an antique needed to be made prior to 1830 to qualify as one. This is because furniture mass production started at about that time and everything prior to 1830 was a one of a kind, hand made item. As time went on, the 1830 rule became too difficult to comply with and the 100 year old rule came into popularity. A lot of people still use the 100 year rule today.
But, now we throw the word antique around like an old pair of socks. The rule of thumb today seems to be "anything dusty". ( If it is not dusty yet we tend to call it vintage. )
Regardless of the definition, your table is about 80 years old, give or take a few. As an antique it is not incredibly valuable, however because of the way it is made ( not the particle board of today ) I think the 1930s furniture is destined to be very collectible in the future. Who knows when.
If the table were mine I would not paint it. Painting it will hurt it's value as an antique.
Whatever you decide to do with it, I am sure it will be really cute when you are done. Hope this shed a little light for you. Have a terrific day. Rory