This vintage piece was a vanity in its former life, but the attachable mirror is long gone, so I am calling it a writing desk. However, it could be easily used again as a vanity by simply hanging a mirror above it.
History
It was made in Jamestown, New York, by the Atlas Furniture Company and was labeled "Birds Eye Maple". According to Branford House Antiques (website branfordhouseantiques.com) the company was started in 1883 and was renamed The Atlas Furniture Company in 1887. Furthermore, the Atlas Furniture Company "became widely regarded as the highest quality bedroom furniture manufacturer in the United States from 1890 to 1920."
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Birds Eye Maple, Atlas Furniture Co.
Made in Jamestown, New York |
Repairs
Overall the finish was quite beautiful, except for the top which was in terrible condition. The cost of replacing the entire piece of the veneer was cost prohibitive. I was able to make repairs to the top but was unable to save the finish -- therefore out came the paint and brushes and I got to work. The interior of the drawer was not functional and my husband repaired it to restore its function.
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| Before: Damage to top |
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| Additional view of damage |
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| One of many clamps to repair the drawer. |
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| The original drawer bottom was broken and warped. My husband used the original as a template to replace the broken piece. |
After
After the repairs were made, the piece was painted 'Old White' (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint) with light distressing, hand waxed, then buffed to a beautiful smooth finish.
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| After |
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| After: The drawer is in good working order and its function restored. |
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| After: Close up |
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| After: Distressing on edges |
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| After: Light distressing on edges |
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| After: Close up of leg |
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| After: Close up of top |
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| After: Overview of refinished top |
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| After: Additional view of top |
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| After: Finished and available for sale. |
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