Restoring a Mahogany Bowfront Chest |
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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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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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02_2011_6851s2.jpgBottom of carcase showing construction details102 viewsBottom panel is about 1/2 in. thick. Its margins were built up with 3/8 in. of secondary wood, and the two were dovetailed to the sides. Very frugal use of material.
Holes near the four corners of the base corresponded to dowels in the top of the missing stool upon which, I believe, the chest originally stood.
Schwartz
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28_2011_7392.jpgBritish Arts & Crafts replacement hardware98 viewsThe chest was found with these handles. They were the second replacement to the originals, based on inspection of the drawer-front wear patterns. They exemplify an inverted heart motif associated with CFA Voysey, architect and designer of the British Arts & Crafts era. 1850-1915. This design was registered in 1909: the registration number was stamped on the back.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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29_2011_7397s.jpgDamaged carcase side126 viewsMating peg in the missing stool likely caused this damage to the bottom edge of one 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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09_IMG_0011s.jpgDetail of structural top, showing rear corner joint.114 viewsPhoto distorts the corner, which is square.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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24_2011_6856s.jpgDrawer back90 viewsSchwartz
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22_IMG_0084s.jpgDrawer bottom92 viewsWear strips attached to the drawer bottoms are made up of diagonally sawn strips. This was done to prevent cross-grain splitting of drawer bottoms. Can anyone suggest where this technique originated? I don't believe I've seen it elsewhere. Sadly, a nail through the bottom into the back ensured a split in any case.Schwartz
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