Restoring a Mahogany Bowfront Chest |
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01_IMG_4263s.jpgFront view with flame mahoghany veneered drawers.336 viewsThe chest is 45-1/2 in. wide, 46-1/8 in. tall and 23 in. deep.Schwartz
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03_2011_6852s.jpgChest bottom detail.184 viewsThe bottom assembly is lap-dovetailed into solid Mahogany sides, which are under 1/2" thick. Interior blocking provides thickness for the dovetails.Schwartz
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04_IMG_4297s.jpgChest foot - 1 of 4161 viewsI'm quite certain these feet are not original to the chest, but a Victorian 'improvement'. They were attached with screws too short to provide adequate support to withstand sideways dragging. Schwartz
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05_IMG_0005s.jpgStructural top of the chest170 viewsHidden rails support the sides and top, which was simply nailed on from above.Schwartz
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06_IMG_0025s.jpgTop nails152 viewsCut nails approx. 2.5 in. long, apparently original to the piece, used to attach the top to the underlying framework. Note the toothing blade trails on the underside of the top.Schwartz
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07_IMG_0003s.jpg128 viewsUnderside of top, showing nails in place and 'packing out' with secondary wood inserted to allow economical use of mahogany and prevent cross-grain stress.Schwartz
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08_IMG_0010s.jpgDetail of structural top.120 viewsShows jointing method and packing out of sides with secondary wood.Schwartz
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09_IMG_0011s.jpgDetail of structural top, showing rear corner joint.114 viewsPhoto distorts the corner, which is square.Schwartz
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11_IMG_0014s.jpg108 viewsNailing into the dovetail tends to spread the dovetail, strengthening the joint. Nailing into the pins could result in splits to the mahogany side.Schwartz
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10_IMG_0013s.jpgDetail of structural top, showing front corner joint.107 viewsThe nails securing the top bit into the dovetails below, rather than the pins. Schwartz
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12_IMG_4294s.jpgGhost of missing columns.108 viewsThe underside of the 'ears' at the front corners of the top show that columns once stood at the front corners of the chest. The columns were 'engaged', having a flat cut on the back. They were attached to the front corners with hidden 3/8 inch dowel pins, the remnants of which remain. They likely rested on a 'stool' with ears or a deeper base, but that's missing too.Schwartz
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13_IMG_4270s.jpgFront corner detail102 viewsTwo crudely-filled 3/8 in. round holes in each front corner post suggest the missing columns were supported by dowel pins through the front of the chest. The columns were 'engaged', having a small flat on their hidden side. Note cock-beading on drawer fronts. Schwartz
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