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Location: Southern California
Glorious!
Wow, Thanks for posting this.
Thanks, Curt
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"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."
-- Soren Kierkegaard
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>> ...did the original call for exposed dovetails on top, or would they have been "hidden/mitered" dovetails?
The original called for exposed through dovetails on top. This was meant to be a faithful reproduction.
>> ...I love the reference to Townsend furniture being Queen Anne style. I've heard Townsend and Goddard cabinetry described as Chippendale too many times. I've always felt that T&G partakes far more of Colonial American Queen Anne than Chippendale.
I think that Goddard and Townsend were both makers that put their own spin on the fashion of the day. Early on, that meant Queen Anne pieces, later Chippendale, and later still Federal. If you were a fashion conscious furniture buyer, you wanted the latest style. They made what they got commissions for.
Thank you all for the kind comments. I think that this piece is a good example of the primary forces behind most people's opinion of a furniture piece: the first things they take in are the overall design (thank you JT) and the finish. I spent more time than ever getting an oil finish to look its best and managed to pop the curl in the wood. If you get these two things right - I think I did - then the fixed mistakes and suboptimal joinery etc. just slide into the background. Memorize this. You will find yourself making more reproductions as a result. This is okay.
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Add me to the growing list of guys saying "Wow!!". Great execution and wonderful material selection!
Dave
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Lovely piece, congratulations !
Like Ken, I was surprised to see the dovetails on the top but they make a very attractive detailing that I really like.
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Outstanding job, should be an instant heirloom.
If it ain't broke, take it apart anyway to see how it use to work........................
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It came out great; really gorgeous.
Gary
Please don’t quote the trolls.
Liberty, Freedom and Individual Responsibility
Say what you'll do and do what you say.
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Bump for Tom
...Naval Aviators, that had balz made of brass and the size of bowling balls, getting shot off the deck at night, in heavy seas, hoping that when they leave the deck that the ship is pointed towards the sky and not the water.
AD1 T. O. Cronkhite
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All the proper expressions are already used, but that is indeed a beautiful piece, one that will be a treasured heirloom! Well done!
I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.
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that is beautiful! although im not fond of the headvase holding the flowers next to it.
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Location: Sumner Co, Tn
Very nice indeed Tom! Those drawers proud of the frame really make an impact. Like the exposed DTs on the top too.
Joel
USN (Corpsman) 1968-1972
USAF Retired Aug 31, 1994
Santa Rosa County, Fl Retired Jun 1, 2012
Now just a hobbiest enjoying woodworking!