Please help me identify this piece of furniture?

10 years ago

Hi!

I recently acquired this cabinet. It looks pretty old and is fairly worn. I have no idea what it is. Someone said an old "food cabinet", another said a "credence cupboard" and yet another said it's the base to a hutch. (I think the last theory is correct because there are small holes on the top that look as if maybe something was attached with screws.)

On both sides are carved wooden circles surrounded by
fleur di lis. The hinged middle section opens up. There are no shelves inside.

There are no markings that I can see on any part of this item to identify the maker. There is a #70 on the back of it though.

If anyone can give me an idea of how old this may be or what style that would also be a great help.

I'd like to sell it, but until I know what I'm selling, I'm kind of stuck. Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

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Comments (3)

lazy_gardens
10 years ago
It's probably a "Renaissance revival" piece from the 1910-1920s, a credenza or sideboard bottom.

It's not as massive and overstyled as some of them ... try cleaning it thoroughly and see what it looks like. It could make a good sofa table in the right house.
wildchld97
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you so much for your quick response. I guess it's pretty old. Any ideas how much I could sell it for as is? (I'd try to restore it, but I don't trust that I'd do it properly.)

Thanks again!
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lazy_gardens
10 years ago
It depends on your local market ... check Craigslist and some antique stores.

Cleaning is easy:
Clean it carefully ... Dust it, then use mild soap and water on a soft cloth to remove water-soluble crud. Then shift to mineral spirits and 0000 steel wool, cleaning gently to get the oil-based hand grime and such off.

Stop and evaluate. Often that's all you need to do, or you find that the top needs finish removal and a new coat of something.

If you have a flaky, scaly finish, that's probably old wax buildup. Remove it with a blend of lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol (I use 50/50). Apply liberally to a small area, let it soften a few moments, then gently rub off the crud with the steel wool. Repeat until clean. Do this outside, with gloves because the fumes are vile and flammable.