The glitches with this new format are maddening.

No one? crickets???

Well, Michelsen was a very big deal company from the 1850s until sometime in the mid-20th century. Their former premises are considered one of the more architecturally significant buildings in downtown Rochester, but I don't know anything about that particular dresser, sorry.

Thanks for that interesting bit of info writersblock - I will pass that on.

Would still love to know more about that type of furniture if anyone can help.

It's a mahogany empire dresser. I have one that's similar. I've never tried to get a smell out of old furniture but I've read that you can use clay kitty litter to absorb smells. Just put some in a bowl and close the drawers. Baking soda or vinegar might also work.

Thank you - Empire - of course! My brain kept going to Biedermeier, knew that wasn't right but I was stuck there.

It's a later copy of an Empire style....original was 1815 to 1850...ish. Your's is 1890-ish.
Don't sprip is....rub it down with mineral spirits....inside and out.....and when it had dried for several days apply a thinned down coat of shellac....as that is likely what was on it originally....or perhaps av arnish. Then if it still smells, coat all inside surfaces with a diluted shellac ( diluted with shellac thinner) to seal it.
Very nice piece....mahogany veneer.

Linda thank you I was hoping you would chime in on this. when you say rub it down with mineral spirits do you mean with fine steel wool or with something else? And will that work if the original finish was either shellac or varnish or does she use something else if it's varnish.? Your age estimate sounds absolutely on point. I was wondering if the two small upper center drawers had a specific purpose. Do you think they were intended for men's collars, or maybe cufflinks and tie tacks and bars?

You can stuff the drawers with newspaper to rid them of the smells. I have done this with a number of pieces of inherited furniture and it always seems to work. I'm no scientist, so I have no idea what causes it to work!

Lovely chest!!

Blessings,

J

The locks with round ends (patented to fit the slot left by the rotary power tool) are after 1890.

I have an old 4 drawer style with most of the George Michelson tag that I bought from Goodwill. Have been re-doing it due to the nicks and scratches however am hoping to find a key.

jamiegarlick7@gmail.com

This piece is early 20thC either way of 1930s, Empire Revival and the style is Late Classical.

Those small center drawers could have held items like handkerchiefs, tie clamps, cuff links, rings, etc.