Thank you Linda. I had the nagging feeling they were high quality pieces too. They were very cheap at the thrift store and I couldn't resist. My house is full of wood furniture and I thought a couple of painted pieces would add a nice dash of color. But I guess not these. :)

I think I'd like to try to re-glue them again myself before I send it out. I only had elmers wood glue on hand so that is what I used. I've used it on a couple of projects, including a daybed that is holding up great. I'm also not a complete novice at fixing things up but since I obviously can't use clamps on this, the elmers wood glue doesn't seem to be enough. Is there a stronger and faster setting wood glue that you can recommend?

Also if you had to guess, how old would you say they are? I'm just curious.

You need to take them apart, clean the joints and then reglue ALL the joints with real wood glue and clamps holding them tight during the curing period.

You can use "clamps" - stretchy materials and weights - to hold the joints firm.

Your stand reminds me of this teak stand. You didn't show us the top, do they have a marble insert? The proportions are great, follow lazy-gardens advice, and please don't ruin them by painting them!

Thanks lazy gardens. I did use real wood glue. It was the elmers brand but the wood glue not the regular white stuff. Thanks for the tips about the "clamps". I think that's what could make the difference.

Thank you Sam-md. They do look very similar to that teak stand except these have a mahogany stain. No marble insert. And no painting I promise! :)

I think these are mahogany not teak......and much nicer than you think. Do the right thing.

Both home depot and lowes have the type of clamps you need.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5PH42cDlvc

lazy-g ardens said: '.... then reglue ALL the joints with real wood glue'

I'm not an expert, and more importantly I don't know what methods of glue were normally used in Asian cabinetry, but I doubt that modern wood glue is the appropriate replacement. If this were a Western piece, then Hide Glue would probably be used. Perhaps asking over in the Woodworking Forum would be wise at this point.

Most likely this is not "Asian cabinetry" but American chinoiserie. Very popular in the early 19th century.

Tara, I'd be careful to get a good job done if you believe these have some value. There are many types of "wood glue". I have read that one should only use water soluble glue -- later repairs will be made much easier. Some glues and techniques can leave discoloration. (There seems to be a darkening at one of the corner joints.)

Clamps can be of various types, and clamps in inexperience hands can easily leave scratches or scars or slip before the glue has cured.

The wood may be rosewood (not from the rose plant; it's a type of tropical wood and it carves well, apparently.

Please keep us posted on what you decide to do and how these pieces turn out.

FWIW, you don't necessarily need furniture clamps if all the separation is @ the corners as shown in the photo. You can use soft strips of fabric or belting wrapped around & tightened w/ a stick or similar, like a tourniquet. The rule I learned is to tighten until glue is forced out from the seam, then carefully remove that excess glue while it's still wet.

Sorry for the late update. Here is how the pieces look now. I just used more glue and a lot of patience and for now they are functional but still a bit wobbly. When I have some more free time I'm going to take them completely apart and reglue them using fabric strips like carol and lazygardens suggested.

Thank you NYboy for the link to the video.

Carol I really appreciate the tips on gluing!

Petalique, honestly I have no idea if they have any value! All I can tell for sure is that the craftsmanship is good. I doubt it's real rosewood, they are not that nice! The folks here think it may have antique value but since I bought these pieces just for my own use (and for very little money) I don't think I'm going to get it professionally appraised. I'm just happy to use and love them for now. :)

Thank you all for talking me out of painting them. I'm very happy with how they look in my entryway!

I agree with your initial statement "love the lines". Now they could use taller thin something something setting on them.

They look wonderful there! Congratulations on such a wonderful find!

Very nice, indeed. I agree with arcy's, "...they could use taller thin something something...". I would even think a tall Sansevieria trifasciata could be found with variegation that is close to the color of your door jamb. You could ask on the Sansevieria Forum.

tj

I agree! I'll keep an eye out for something taller. Thank you all!!