Here is a good example of when it is important to preserve the old crusty finish on a period piece. Although it may not be the ‘original’ finish – a true original finish is exceedingly rare – it is the sort of surface that is full of integrity, and it imparts a wonderful character to this table.

I replaced the satinwood lines that were missing along the side of the table top and a few sections of the molding along the bottom of the skirt.

I discovered that the maker of the table had signed his name on the underside of the top: “Sam Bond / 1815”. We were able to identify Samuel Bond as a New Hampshire furniture maker.