How to tell, and should i give it a bash?

[kabia]

The wife just had a great idea to buy a buffet, she found one she likes, bought it ...
and now it is my job to get it looking good!
I have no idea what the original finish is wax, varnish or oil..
Although i'm leaning to wax..
Now, this buffet is 'supposed' to be 18th Century Belgian Oak.
If this is true should i not touch it; and leave the cup rings on it? Or is it acceptable for an amateur to have a bash at restoring it to grace.
If i think it is a wax finish and go down the path attempting to restore with new wax and then it turns out to be a different finish what sort of damage am i looking at and can the situation be rectified, even it i go the other path and it turns out to be something else?
Is there a service that can assess this piece and guide in the right direction?

[Old gunnie]

Hi Kabia. Obviously nothing here, but did you get any advice on this.

cheers
OG

[ian]

I'm dubious re "18th century"
it's in pretty good nick for something over 200 years old and some of that molding looks like it was cut with a router.

Kabia, if you're still around can you post a few more photos showing some of the detail

[rogerjenkins]

From the photo is looks late Victorian era, ( 1890's - early 1900's ), going by the carved work and the handles. The carved work would have been done in a workshop with a Hand-operated Moulding plane,- The old Stanley Tool Co., used to make one which had several dozen shaped blades, which did anything from Tongue & groove cutting, to fairly intricate mouldings. Knew of an old cabinetmaker years ago who had one,- It did an excellent job, but Oh so S-L-O-W compared to our modern day hi-speed electric routers. Have read about these old tools over the years, as I quite often find old woodworking tools of yesteryear a fascinating subject, as, (example ),- what we call a Router today, had a totally different meaning 70, or more years ago,- those days it was a mini plane designed to hand-cut the recesses for door hinges:!
Hope this bit of info helps out a bit,
Roger

[bsrlee]

Mid 20th Century at best, maybe the trees were planted in the late 18th Century - the motif on the doors looks to be 'Art Deco'.

Have a go at fixing it, be aware that it may be oak veneer with solid wood edges, so gentle does it. A 'professional' will charge like a wounded bull & no guarantee of a good job.

[munruben]

Kabia hasn't been back on the forum since this thread was originally posted back in June this year. maybe lost interest, who knows. Fancy piece of furniture though.

[orraloon]

I would put it at early to mid 20th centuary. It is oak however. Could even be Belgian. Not looking in bad nick either. Should look ok with a clean and a bit of polish.
Regards
John