Restoration of inlaid boxes

[Bessie]

I have two small inlaid boxes for restoration.

The inlay seems in tact on both but feels a bit rough to the touch. One box has a couple of chips on the corners. Original varnish/finish is almost nonexistent on one (olive wood?) but the other (beech? pine?) has a thin layer remaining with some crazing if you look v closely.

Would appreciate any comments and advice about cleaning them up and how to finish to enhance without losing the colours and patina.

Thanks, all tips appreciated.

[Superbunny]

With all respect, would this question be better answered in the Restoration sub forum just below this sub form?

SB

[Lawry01]

With all respect, would this question be better answered in the Restoration sub forum just below this sub form?

SB

Theres also a Boxmaking and a Marquetry sub forum where folks with more knowledge of dealing with inlay etc. may lurk! I'd be keen to see if there are any replies regrdless, as I have also got an old inlay cigarrette /music box that may need some attention. Maybe post a link in each of these? Cheers, Lawry

[Arron]

I wouldnt be brave enough to offer any advice on how to restore them, but they look like stained/dyed birds-eye maple and boxwood to me.
Cheers
Arron

[Bessie]

Thanks, i've started a thread with a link to this under Restoration and also Marquetry as suggested. Thanks for your patience while I find my way around the forum.

[fletty]

Hi Bessie,
They are an intriguing pair of baxes and, from the pics, appear to be both inlaid and painted with some inlays also being dyed?
The almost complete removal of the finish (or lack of finish in the first place?) will work very much in your favour and they should restore well.
I'm sorry but I don't know how skilled or willing you are to do it yourself but I'm sure you will get a lot of help from the forum.
The first step will be to put a little bit of metho on a rag and touch the finish in a few discrete places. You are looking to see if the metho turns the remaining finish sticky or not AND does it effect the paint/dye/stain in any way?
fletty