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biedermeier table

7/20/20       
Mike B  Member

I have a client asking me to repair this table. He assures me this is an authentic Biedermeier. The top is solid and appears to have been repaired before. I insist that any attempt to repair is an exercise in futility. I have seen photos of Biedermeier sunburst pattern that appear to be solid. Any comments as to authenticity or course of action appreciated.


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View higher quality, full size image (1080 X 810)

7/20/20       #2: biedermeier table ...
Cbww

All of the Biedermeier tables I have seen are all veneered, never wedge shaped solid wood like that. It will always have issues like you said. I might guess that the top was added to a period base and apron?

7/20/20       #3: biedermeier table ...
Tom Gardiner

As Biedermeier is a period style of furniture from Germany, it makes it hard to declare a table authentic. I would look at the construction details such as the glue and screws used and any original finish.
I have seen pieces with veneered sunbursts. I have also seen faux finished sunburst patterns. This table may well be a age appropriate piece but of a lower quality construction.

7/20/20       #4: biedermeier table ...
TonyF

Mike B:

Biedermeier with metal z-clips to hold the top to the curved apron? Is the discoloration on the left strut arm in the upside down photo water damage, or just an odd color infusion, like one might see in poplar? It also appears that the screw blocks holding the top to the strut arms were in a different location at another time, perhaps, like the z-clips, attesting to the previous repair attempt that you alluded to. Have you given any thought as to what exactly you would do to repair this table?

Provenance or not, (and I would question that Biedermeier assessment, other than the stylistic attempt) this is a poorly constructed table, and as such you would be unable to guarantee any repairs.

If you have not already accepted this project, I would say thanks but no thanks. The only way I would accept this project is to completely remake the top in veneer, thus allowing the opportunity for better construction practices, and to use a wood with a better figure than the wood that was used.

Life is too short to have to keep repairing this table. FWIW.

TonyF

7/20/20       #5: biedermeier table ...
rich c.

That would be the plainest and most crudely made Biedermeier I've ever seen if it's authentic. I assume the top is glued down and constricted causing the glue line failures on the top. It will need to be taken off the frame to allow movement. I've done the old "cut in" trick of running a hand saw down the cracked seam. Find a saw with the appropriate width or tooth set to be as wide as the widest part of the crack, then start the saw in the crack and saw down the crack. Clamp on a cleat if necessary for your skill set, to keep the hand saw in the seam and perpendicular. Then glue and clamp it back up. Let the top float and replace those steel Z clamps with wooden versions. Could be we are looking at the old top that had been veneered in the day, based on the amount of glue staining showing on the bottom.

7/21/20       #6: biedermeier table ...
MikeB  Member

I feel I will have to kindly decline in a diplomatic way as this is an important client. More important help him understand that this table may not be what he thinks it is. All journeys will encounter crossroads this table no exception. Thank you all for your candid comments.

7/21/20       #7: biedermeier table ...
Dave Sochar Member

Biedermeier? Yeah, I think it is one of his. Fred Biedermeier - lived down the road and made stuff in his shed. Known as lefty, as part of the hand was missing - radial arm saw or reached in a planer? Yep, he made lots of stuff. Liked those metal z-clips for tops, and used poplar for everything.

That 's a genuine Biedermeier allright. Or....it just could be a very poor knock off that would fool about - no one.

7/21/20       #8: biedermeier table ...
Cbww

Z clips! I didnt even enlarge the image to see that but yeah...no way. Now that I look closer, the base is not made correctly as well as the the four table support pieces. Yeah, its just all wrong. You will gain more respect by telling him its wrong than making whatever $ on a repair. Even if you "fix" it in whatever way, It will fail as well as your reputation.

Probably another example of a "dealer" telling someone a story.... All you need is some nice clothes, arrogance, and $ and your a dealer....


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