Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Expert Profile

Expertise

In regards to antique, vintage and collectible furniture I can help with wood identification, styles, age, and periods. As with all things, looking at pictures is not as good as actually handling the object. I am a qualified to answer questions about repair, restoration, refinishing, finishes, coatings, stains, historical coatings and materials. SEND PICTURES WITH YOUR QUESTIONS OR THE QUESTION WILL LIKELY BE REJECTED.

Experience in the area

I have been in the antiques furniture and restoration business for 40 years and have continued my education in the trade by attending workshops and seminars through the Smithsonian, MESDA, and other organizations.

Organizations

Professional Refinishers Groop, Int. AIC

Education/Credentials

BA Florida State University 1970 BA University of West Florida 1971

Past/Present Clients

This is a list of people that i know personally across the country that are competent, knowledgeable and skilled refinishers, restorers and conservators. AL Elberta Jim Cole Antique Works; AZ Phoenix Hal Resnikoff The Village Woodsmith; CA Fort Bragg Joe Amaral Wood Finish Services; CA San Clemente Michele Rosen Michele Rosen Woodfinishing & Conservation; CT Bridgeport Jim Young Old Gold Furniture Restoration; GA Atlanta Brian Hillman Hillman's Restoration; GA Bogart Fred McLean McLean's Refinishing; GA Atlanta Alan Noel A. Noel Furniture Refinishing; GA Atlanta Brian Webster Brian Webster; KS Topeka Dave Macfee Macfee Refinishing; KS Topeka Ben Myre Macfee Refinishing; MA West Newbury Bruce Hamilton Bruce Hamilton Antique Restoration; MA Dedham Robert Judd Judd Refinishing; MD Monrovia Kevin Hancock Hancock Piano Restorations; MI Armada Al Venditelli Armada Furniture Services LLC; MN Bemidji Don MacKinnon MacKinnon Woodworks; NC Winston Salem Martin O'Brien Martin O'Brien Cabinetmaker; NY Holbrook Dean Camenares East End Wood Strippers; NY Brooklyn Emily MacDonald Korth Emily MacDonald-Korth; NY Latham Mike Mascelli Fine Upholstery; OR The Dalles Frank Laroque LaRoque's Wood Shop; SC Charleston Paul Garbarini Heirloom Finishes; TN Oak Ridge David Reeves Classic Furniture Restorations; TX Aledo Joe Hornor Little Jack Horner's Furniture Restoration; TX Houston Fred Woodall Fred Woodall Repair Service; VA Roanoke Dick Patch Astonish Antique Restoration; WI Milwaukee Bill Balsiger Artisan Restorations;

What do you like about this subject?

what is not to like, it is an endless field, and we have the opportunity to meet folks from all areas of life.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Refinishing vs. value? Each item must be evaluated on its own. A proper restoration, when warranted, enhances value. Indiscriminate refinishing or restoration by uninformed, semi skilled people has the opposite effect. There are many techniques and materials to assist us in choosing the correct procedure. Yes, an original coating is desirable and sought on a museum, rare, or historical piece.