crack in antique dresser

19 years ago

I recently bought an antique walnut dresser/vanity from an online auction site. It was listed as 'very good' condition. Well it came the other day and now that we have unpacked it and cleaned it up a bit we have noticed some problems. I dont consider it 'very good' condition after seeing it and am in contact with the company to see what they say about it.

The big problem is a crack in the side of the dresser. It is about 9-12" long, is fairly narrow, but it does go trough the surface to the interior. So, Im curious on how a crack like that can be repaired. Just fill in with a putty or something?

Im still not sure how the comapny will resolve this with me. Except this crack we like the dresser. But we feel they decieved us in the condition rating (the same side of the dresser with the crack is also slightly wapred and separated from the dresser side).

So, I would like to get an idea of what it would take to repair this narrow but long crack, so I can consider that when talking with the company I bought it from.

Thanks for any input....

Featured Answer

HU-270805536

6 years ago

I had the same problem with the top of an antique dresser, it had a narrow but very long crack that went trough the surface to the interior. I started putting a microfiber cloth soaked in water on it every day for weeks and the crack closed! It may take a long time but it works ... it is due to the lack of humidity in the environment.

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Comments (6)

brickeyee
19 years ago
How old?
Is the crack open or closed?
Is there some construction in the item that is cross grain and caused the crack?

Antique is NOT new, and depending on the age it may still be considered excellent condition.
It was not built yesterday.
mercury_33100
Original Author
19 years ago
brickeye,

Its early 1900's, Eastlake Style

The crack is opened over most of the crack (about 1/8" wide) and the top inch or so of the crack is 'closed'.

Im not sure about your last question. There are the drawer guides that are laid cross the grain if thats what you mean. But the crack is only on one side and it is the same side of the slightly warped top.

I completely understand that antique is NOT new. I guess I would just expect the seller to note things like a warped top and the crack when they listed it as very good condition.

Thanks for taking the time!!
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User
19 years ago
Wood moves due to moisture absorbtion/evaporation---there is almost nothing we can do to stop solid wood from moving. When furniture is built, that movement must be allow for in the design. As in raised panel doors---the panel is left free so it can move. There will be some panels that crack regardless, however.

I suspect the side that cracked was fastened without room for movement---and therefore cracked. You should see the crack widen/shrink as the humidity changes seasonally.

Same thing for the warped top. Not much anyone can do now----the boards were chosen/assembled incorrectly during assembly.

Antiques are easily mislabeled---and many folks have little knowledge of the differences in descriptions between different sellers.

I'm old school---cannot understand how someone can buy a used car/tool/furniture without being able to do at least an eyes on inspection. New is a bit different---I buy new tools/clothes online all the time.
mercury_33100
Original Author
19 years ago
handymac,

Thanks for your comments. I completely understand about seeing before buying. I just took the chance this time.

Anyhow, should I try to fill in the crack or repair somehow? Or should I just let it be so it can shrink/swell as needed. Im in a pretty dry climate, low humididty most of the time climate.

Thanks again for your time!!
User
19 years ago
Any attempt at repair will usually be less than satisfactory in the long run. If the crack lets in dust, use a flour paste to stick on a piece of paper to the inside of the panel.

Using filler/caulk/tape will create a future mess.

Otherwise, the crack is a conversation piece.