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toriwhite2013

Help me identify this China cabinet that is atleast 4 generations old!

6 years ago



Comments (16)

  • 6 years ago

    Can you post a picture of the whole thing, giving some context as to size?

  • 6 years ago



  • 6 years ago



  • 6 years ago

    4 generations? A generation is usually considered to be about 20 years....sometimes longer sometime shorter depending on how old parents are when they have children. That would put it about 1920. It's a factory made, in a sort of Chippendale-ish style with that crown and post on top, and what I can see of the drawer pulls. Probably mahogany veneer on the drawer fronts, probably solid on the weight bearing pieces.
    Would need lot better pictures to give any more information.


  • 6 years ago

    Thank you! I have done a little research and based on what I’ve read I agree 100%. this was my husbands great-grandparents’ and his aunt says it’s been there since she can remember and she is 50. His GGP we’re born in the early 1900’s so I’m guessing maybe the got it when they got married. I have seen similar pieces, but none really this “simple” for that era. It means so much to me, so I was trying to find out more about the piece to pass down generations to come! :)

  • 6 years ago







  • 6 years ago

    Yep...machine made and veneer fronts....that side view of the drawer clearly shows the veneer.
    Likely it at one time had decorative pieces inserted in the panes of glass....
    If your GGparents were born in the early 1900's it is unlikely they got it "when they got married", unless they were quite well to do. Perhaps they inherited it from their parents?
    Doesn't change the date....just the manner of aquisition....or it could be as new as early 1940's.....even early 1950's.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    You should refinish it! It's a functional family piece and it'll look great anywhere. If you don't want to replace the cracked back panel, you can put a cardboard (or better material) panel in the back covered with fabric or wallpaper. Or fill it up with books.

    I have similar styled pieces from the late 1940s. The parts that were in the sun had their finish crackle off just like the top area of your cabinet.

    Have you pulled out the drawers and checked underneath them for a maker's name? Sometimes they're marked.

  • 6 years ago


    Found this under the drawer!

    My husbands grandfather (80) confirmed its been in the house his entire life. Thank you guys. I know more about the time period now so you have def been a huge help! I want to keep it as “original“ as I can, but I know it needs some TLC! So that will be my next project. Have a blessed night!

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    For refinishing Google re amalgamation. I've done it. It works well on older antiques shellac finishes and will retain patina. Just use a light hand.

    Here is one of many

    https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/home-diy/projects/how-to-restore-wooden-furniture-finish1.htm

  • 6 years ago

    I am here to tell you that reamalgamation works. I suggested it years ago and as roundly ridiculed by someone who thankfully no longer posts here.

  • 6 years ago

    If you can save the finish, great! Refinishing is a terrible job. But having dealt with something that looks like that, I suspect that it will not cooperate and reamalgamate (which is a totally legit thing if you have the correct finish for it). It's certainly worth trying.


    Unfortunately, this style of furniture isn't very valuable but on the bright side, that means you can do what you need to do to find it a place in your home (please don't paint it). If it requires refinishing, so be it. I would stay faithful to the original stain as much as possible, not because it's a museum piece but because it just looks good.


    Even a little scruffy, it's still elegant. You don't HAVE to do anything.

  • 6 years ago

    Judging by what I presume to be the age of the piece, it most likely has a varnish finish and you would need to use a mixture of Lacquer thinner ( acetone) and shellac thinner ( denatured alcohol). I have done it to pieces of about that age and it works very well....just make sure the surface you are working on is horizontal and brush on a thick coat and watch it smooth out the finish. It might be very shiny when it dries, but you then rub it with a fine ( 10 ought) steel wool. Or you can wipe off most of the old finish with that solution, and put another coat of varnish on. It won't remove the stain.

  • 6 years ago

    I definitely want to touch it up just to better preserve it. However, I want to keep it as close to the original look as I can! Thank you all for your help! I will be watching videos and studying up so I can build the confidence to do it! :)

  • 6 years ago

    Look into using Howard’s Restore A Finish. It’s very easy to use—idiot proof, really. Just make sure you clean the piece thoroughly beforehand. Howard’s also makes a cleaner that is very good.

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