That treasure hunt bug really hits you sometimes. Like checking craigslist every morning just.to.see what might be listed. Or that steering wheel that just somehow takes you on the road to those favorite thrift stores for a bit of browsing. Most of the time- you don’t find too much that stops you in your tracks. But sometimes- you do.
We have been clearing storage bits out and donating or giving away a lot of pieces we have collected over the years that we just don’t use. A lot of the painted furniture I re-did back.in.the.day. for example. I just haven’t been as keen on using those painted pieces in awhile. So Why was I shopping for antiques on craigslist and FB Marketplace you ask? Well, I have a project in mind. And in redoing a few of the rooms in the house- I want to change the look and feeling a bit. And so, I have been keeping an eye on the listings just in case something popped up that might work.
Note: No styled pretty photos of these pieces Yet- read on to learn why
The Finds
Well, I bumped into a listing for antique furniture. It was listed at around $500 and I noticed the carvings and details and paused for a moment trying to envision the pieces together. Since there were not too many photos showing details and not too many details listed – it can sometimes be hard to tell if something is 300 years old- or 30 years old. But, from what I could see, I was intrigued enough to save the listing to look at again.
I looked at it a few times but since the pieces were not put together in the ad- it was hard to see what exactly it would look like, or the scale and measurements etc. I tried to research a few things but it was in the middle of a busy couple of weeks and so, I left it as saved. A few weeks later, I saw that the listing had been updated and was marked down to a price that made me stop and contact them. What was the price?
FREE
Okay, first thought on antiques that are marked as FREE… What is wrong with it. There is always a catch, right? I mean, is the piece haunted? Is it falling apart? Does it water damage or smell like mildew? Or is it not really an antique and was made in the 90’s out of particle board or maybe it is something else not mentioned.
I had all the questions folks. And I asked the questions. The person selling the pieces didn’t have much info other than it was her great-grandparents and brought over from Italy back in the day and they were closing their storage unit and they needed to go. While my husband and sons were loading the mirror and 2 piece cupboard- there was 1 last piece in the storage unit that was damaged that went with the cupboard that they gave them too. I was excited though not having seen them in person- didn’t quite know what to expect when they arrived.
The Good
The pieces are gorgeous. Lots of old carvings and details that are really so pretty. Dainty legs and apron, the drawers have old patina and there are original skeleton keys- which I always love to fine included. The 2 part cupboard is much taller and more stately than I thought it would be from the photos- it is probably about 8.5′ + tall and at least 4′ wide. And the mirror is so much different than it looked in photos- again- I thought it would sit on the top of a table and be maybe 3′ tall- it is probably about 6- 6.5′ tall and 4′ wide.
I was able to research a bit about these- I am familiar with French cupboards like this- I have 2 in my home and they are called ‘buffet deux corp’ aka two body cupboard. Since she said these were Italian- I learned all kinds of things while researching. And from the notes I found on the inside of the doors about the other pieces the family had they came from a villa in Brandizzo, Italy- just as the seller as said. They seem to be a family that had a lot of beautiful pieces that they loved.
Age? I am so bad at that one- the drawer construction has areas that are replaced but overall construction, hardware & the dovetails are quite rustic and old. From similar pieces I saw online- probably 1800’s sometime.
Another good point- the wood is a beautiful hardwood that will be perfect for the look I had in mind.
I don’t believe the mirror is as old as the cupboards- or that it even goes with them really. But it is a beauty. It is probably the piece that made me save the listing in the first place.
The Not So Good
Well, there is always a catch right? And with antiques that are Free- there definitely had to be a catch. What we didn’t know ahead of time before going to pick these up (about an hour and 1/2 each way away from us) was that these pieces had a lot of areas that are covered in woodworm holes. YIKES.
Woodworm holes are fairly common in some of the European antiques from what I understand and don’t necessarily mean an active problem. So that isn’t an automatic Stop for me. The armoire in our bathroom has them – I have never seen sawdust or any signs of anything active. You can see them in the closest side of the cupboard in this photo and pretty well in the mirror close up photo below.
I don’t mind the holes-they are like a bit of character and patina. What I DO mind is if the beetles are still in the wood. There are a couple ‘lines’ in a couple of places also- so they definitely enjoyed these pieces for awhile. That is the issue and quite possibly Why the pieces were free instead of sold.
It also looks like these have been stripped in areas and refinished and possibly some of the drawer backs and bottoms replaced at some point in areas as well- maybe because they were treated for the beetles and then touched up. Note: I snapped these while they were outside and they had a nice dusting of pollen on them- that is not wood dust from bugs or anything. And second note- I LOVE the crusty, worn, dinged up patina on that drawer front.
Since I was planning on re-doing a solid piece of wood for a different finish- this is actually good. I don’t have to feel bad about ‘ruining’ an antique by changing the finish. If the finish was in original, hand rubbed patina finish without concern about beetles- I might leave as is and find another piece that is newer for refinishing- though- I have been really leaning towards the natural raw woods rather than dark for furniture in my home. I don’t mind the imperfections in the finish or the areas that are more worn than others- I actually like those little inconsistencies.
Diamonds in the Rough
Ahh diamonds in the rough. I pretty much have a weak spot for something that has that needs a little polishing to shine. Remember how I talked about when I first drove onto our property to look at this house and ‘felt’ the house was waiting for someone to love it? The property felt magical. There was an energy that made me want to get out of the car. Even though at the time- the house was looking quite a bit like a big old chunk of coal. So these are diamonds in the rough to me. I feel like they are far too beautiful to just let sit. I gave them a good cleaning ( and sage) and they are ready for a new chapter.
So far- it looks like they are old holes & they seem structurally sound. But to be safe- my friends at Eloquence shared that you can spray with a termite spray or something like and then wax the holes to seal them before tackling a bleached look.
The Ideas
I am leaning towards stripping the pieces, treating just in case and then bleaching the wood to look similar to the cupboard below in our dining room. Will it work? I have no idea. haha. I haven’t done it before. Will the holes detract from the finish when it is bleached? Again, I have no idea. But since I do have lighter pieces that have those same holes and they didn’t stand out- I think they will look ok and can just imagine how incredible those carvings and details will look when they are a raw wood finish.
I am feeling a tad obsessed with how it will turn out and haven’t even started yet.
Questions
Do I have any wood worker or antique pro readers? I would love your thoughts on these on these pieces and any tips.
I am watching for a few more days before tackling anything- so send them my way and stay tuned for the process and how they come together.
Happy shopping all.
Just a thought, how about when you have it stripped & natural mix some saw dust with melted wax & put, ruub in wormholes? Don‘T know if it will work or not just an idea. THE PIECES are really lovely & will be be when you finish them.
A great find & seems it was meant for you.
That is a great idea Betty- thanks!
I have heard of doing this when you have a joint that has spread a bit..mix saw dust with wood glue the give it a very LIGHT sanding to blend it with the wood grain. Personally I think the worm holes give it great character ( as long as there’s none living in the wood) Good luck…can’t wait to see it finished!!
so isnt this a happy day! i realize this is a big project but its nice that these pieces will be honored! woca makes a bleach. i HAVEN’T used it but seen great results. it might also take care of any remaining varmints. good for you!
What a BEAUTIFUL find!! So sorry I do not Have any aDvice. Wishing you the best of luck in turning Your project into a keeper.
I love these old pieces. I can understand your “just gotta have them”. I have an antique armoirE I called my son to recover from a dumpster. I cleaned and repainted and it is gorgeous! I use it in my French country kitchen and I love it. I love old things not only because they are beautiful but also because they are so well made. You lucked up girl. Congrats!
Good find..enjoy!
Talk about nice
You said you gave them a good cleaning (and sage). Can youTell me WhAt sage does?
I think You have a great proJect and believe The results will be beautiful.
I burned a bundle of sage to clean them from energy that was left behind. It sounds odd– but I am a big energy person- and my daughter is as well and she gave me a bundle of sage to clean any antiques I bring home. I have had several questions about it- maybe will ask my daughter to do a blog post. 🙂
Thanks for the INFORMATION. I Woulf love to hear more.
I so agree! I can feel it in pieces and have passed on severaL! Doing a post on it would be great.
Love your new finds, big projects but perfect for the
Look you want.
Thanks for sharing.
no matter what you do with these pieces, i feel confident they will be beautiful when you are done with them!
These are very lovely…the kind of thing that appeals to me too. I love furniture that looks like a human made it rather than a machine. My job for the last 20 years has been to buy for films in Atlanta. I, like you, love the thrill of the hunt for the perfect piece that makes a room and in my case, says something about the character for whose home I am buying. Furniture like this has soul, something that to me, is totally lacking in modern furniture.
You are so blessed!..free?! I absolutely love the pieces as is!! I love old or antique pieces as found. But I understand if that’s not your look. I love that dark aged look it has from time. So glad you loved these pieces…I hate to see nice pieces going to the landfill.
I actually don’t hate the dark at all- I have a dark buffet deux corps in the house and love it and I love the old patina. But the finish was redone is areas and then the bug issue. In order to treat for bugs- I read you have to strip the finish. So a conundrum.
Hi Courtney. I have an old immigrants trunk I think from late 18th to early 19th Century. Still has it’s original paint and bun feet. It was riddle with worm or beetle holes and runs. It didn’t look like there was anything active going on but I sprayed it and then cleaned it with turpentine and lindseed oil. I didn’t want to damage the old paint. Worked like a charm and have not seen any activity. These are really great pieces you discovered and I think very old. Lucky you. I love everything you do, thank you so much for sharing your world with us.
SUCH a GORGEOUS piece of furniture. I cant believe that it was free. I so look forward to seeing what you do with it.
Oh what a luscious find! I cannot wait to see what you do with these awesome pieces- and how you style them! Always enjoy your posts. This is so exciting!!!!
Beautiful pieces. Please keep is posted. What was the safe for.or just Blessed to come in your home?
Please let us know the products and how you did it.
Cant wait to see what wonderful thing you do
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Sage to cleanse any negative energy attached to the pieces. I have a bundle that my daughter made me to burn – but I have seen them at HomeGoods recently and a lot of different places. It seems there are a lot of questions about how to sage something- will ask my daughter to do a post.
Hello all ….gorgeous vintage pieces with a european history … such a find!!!!! Its so wonderful to see the appreciation of solid carved wood not the particle pieces of today …. and in the hands of someone who will treasure them…. Sage is a custom of removing negative energies … I have found some wonderful resources on Etsy for those of you out there most of these are handmade and lovingly created with dried wildflowers Attached.. Happy shopping !!!
Yes! My daughter sells sage bundles as well. 🙂
If you see any trails of wht looks like sawdust, it is actually waste from the woodworms, their larvae also looks a little like sawdust. there are several types of insects that infect wood. Be sure to completely strip the wood before you treat the wormwood infestation. Yes, they may be all dead but it is better to be safe than sorry. There are products specifically designed to treat wormwood. Once the raw wood is treated, wash it down with white vinegar. This will remove any residual smells and insects. Restorers come across this problem all the time. I worked in a museum for many years. Just take your time take its step by step. Strip, treat, vinegar wash and final wax. They will be amazing in photo shoots once they are a natural wood color.
Nancy this is so helpful! Thank you! We just moved the pieces this afternoon and had to tip them over and there was a little shower of ‘dust’ that came out from under the top – so either they left a lot behind or they might be active in the wood yet. My husband picked up stripper-I had heard the same about needing to strip the pieces first. And he also picked up something that is supposed to treat them so hopefully this will take care of any that are left behind. I was just staring at the dark finish on one of the pieces today and if they were not so damaged by these creatures- just may have decided to leave it and just clean up. But I am really excited to see the natural wood as well. There are a couple areas where the finish has been worn away and the wood color looks like it will be beautiful.
If you are concerned about the holes, collect all your unfinished wood sawdust from the piece. Do not use the sawdust with coloring or varnish in it. Make a paste with some wood glue. Do not overfill holes or it will look like dotted swiss cheese, fill only the most visible areas if you wish. Just remember, the WOOD PASTE may take on the bleaching effect differently. Test it in a inconspicuous area first. Good luck. Looking forward to see the finished pieces in all their glory.
Thank you for the info! I am not too concerned about the holes themselves- I do think they are part of these pieces history and add a certain amount of charm in a way – but may try to fill a few areas to see how it looks.
I LOOK forward to SEEING Them
After you’ve worked your magic on them, so happy YOU found these They are beautiful
I cant wait to see the “after” pictUreS when your project is complete. These pieces aRe gorgeous.
I just started working on a pair of french nightstands that are a red/orange wood tone. 👎 started using citristrip, coat after coat with plastic wrap to keep the stuff from drYing out. Then using tools to remove The Layers of stain, inclu toothpicks to get in the tiny crevices. Ive thought about giving up several times, then my husband stepped in with a Brush and some after wash and with a little muscle he really cleaned them up! (And thAt was just the DRAWERS 😂) ive seen ENORMOUS pieces of Raw wood furniture at round top and wonder how they do it. It cant be all by hand! It is a lot of work, but well worth it in the end. 👍
Do NOT strip or do anything until you have talked to an antique expert. Stripping usually cuts The Value in half.I paid $2300 FOR JUST A SINGLE French carved “schrunk” china cabinet about 25 years ago that had already been greatly depreciated by staining the walnut piece mahoghany. Normally all you should do to antique wood pieces is thoroughly clean them inside and out with mineral spirits, then coat them with tung oil either painted on with a new or clean brush or cloth or very fine steel wool.It may need two coats to soak in well. I have even used that on old wood kitchen cabinets that came out gorgeous and looking like new. A lot of old wormholes aren’t from infestation of the furniture, but insects that were in the growing tree that supplied the lumber. Both mineral spirits and tung oil would get rid of live bugs if there were any. I wish I had your luck to find furniture like that–let alone for free! Take good care of it or pass it on to someone w h o will. Good luck and enjoy!
I have talked with a trusted source who deals in antiques from Europe just like these-and unfortunately since they have so many beetle holes and have already been repaired and redone- any original finish value has already been diminished. These pieces were given away because they were going to dispose of them- likely because most people didn’t want to tackle what would be needed to try and salvage them. Honestly, we are fans of original finishes and don’t usually buy antiques that would need to be redone. These are exceptions.
i love the pieces that you are restoring but I have always wanted to ask you where i can get cane back chairs like you have in your dining room. I have a diningroom table that i bought at habitat for humanity and had it painted white with a natural stained top. I think they would look great around my table……or something similar. i live in canada near toronto.
I so enjoy your shopping trips. I think the area you live is full of great pieces. Thank you for sharing your pieces aNd the great advice to purchase. I am excited to see what you do with these pieces. Jean