$25 Dresser mid-coast Maine ID

http://pho.to/9cM3O

My wife and I picked up this dresser at a moving sale. It really needs a good cleaning and is pretty rough shape. I believe the veneer is mahogany or cheery over pine or poplar?
The dresser has 7 drawers.

Clues:

Dovetails in the drawers appear to be hand cut.

Nut incerts look to be done years later by an owner.

Veneer looks uneven

I'm curious if anyone could help dating the piece?

Thanks in advance.

 

This is a circa 1850 American Empire chest. It is a little more restrained in execution than many and is probably a later example and / or a regional variation. I was once told that some cabinet makers in New York City preferred this more restrained look but can't verify this. I actually like it better than more typical examples. It would be mahogany veneer over pine. I imagine it is missing a mirror.

 

Welcome!

 

Wow. Thanks for the insight. I look forward to contributing to the community.

 

Just realized you stated; $25!!!
Even if it were literally irreparable I would've bought it for that!

 

Good to hear King! What do you thinks it's worth?

 

Sorry, I've no clue.
My point was I can fix dang near anything, I don't necessarily mean restore to new, and if too far gone there is good aged wood to use there for other furniture repairs or whatever.

 

Unfortunately, not a lot of value to this furniture even in top condition. Here in the Midwest, maybe $250.00 in a retail setting. A lot less at auction or other wholesale venues. I have a similar age/style chest that I also, coincidentally, paid $25.00 for in similar condition about 30 years ago. I spent over 50 hours in restoration and have it to this day. There is no way that it would be worth restoring for resale.

 

LOL! I bet you have just been waiting to use that.

 

Soooo, waiting.....you have no idea !!!!

Hope you got a chuckle !!!!

 

http://pho.to/9crbD

I decided to restore. Don't know if it's taboo to strip the finish but I really wanted to see the grain. I Uploaded some photos of some of the areas in need of repair. Any tips on repair are welcome.