RESTORATION UPDATES--SUCCESS!

AND HERE HE IS

I think that the tails of woe of this gorgeous Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb chest and its restoration/lacquering journey could fill two spiral bound notebooks.....but I'll make it short and sweet: I sent the chest back to the restorer twice and it took a total of 7 months to get this piece to the level of lacquer work that it called for. I can be extremely patient, but when I discovered that the restorer had taken off for Costa Rica without  finishing my chest, I nearly lost it with him. Fortunately, phone reception was really bad in Costa Rica; so the communication of my extreme displeasure went by text and was a bit toned down, considered and measured. I am more than convinced that the wait was worth the outcome. People are ooing and ahhhhhing over him. To protect him, I have encircled the chest with other pieces and marked him "DO NOT TOUCH, PLEASE".

And now for the restored Northern Italian games Table

Roberto and I worked diligently to get this little girl completed. She has been taken apart, put back together, fumigated (see prior post), and finally, Roberto restored the marquetry and gave her a beautiful hard paste wax finish. Just look at those sexy legs and the beautiful marquetry and penwork..... 

She appears to retain most of her original finish which is the reason for leaving her unstripped and with the blemishes that can only be removed if the surface were to be "skinned"--a no-no.

Despite the many ups and downs and miles of patience for both of these restorations, I am very grateful. I love the feeling of seeing a job well-done.

The inauguration (all in small sad letters) is Friday and I will follow the lead of John Lewis and Barbara Lee and others: I will not be attending or watching any of it on TV. There is a lot of work to be done to return our country to the spirit of good governance and I fully intend to be a part of that effort.

Ivanka Trump boasted that her father had confidence in her because she made decisions "in a considered manner"--phhleeeease, I think most of us make decision in that manner. Does that qualify me to be a presidential advisor? I think not. Nepotism anyone?

Well, Jones is calling, time for bed.

Blessings for the week.

Mary & Jones & Colee

I SCORED (BIG TIME)

One of the dangers--well, not really dangers, but definitely temptations, is that when we sell, there is money to spend.......

Wednesday, I previewed my Thursday haunt. There were quite a few pieces that caught my attention--but really didn't think that they would hammer at my price points........quick look:

Gorgeous George II/III cross-banded walnut slant front desk with original hardware (even the insides were great) one problem: I think that the bracket feet might have been replacements. I used to buy these guys, but haven't had too much luck with English pieces lately--so this guy was a "no".

This George II/III small chest of drawers was just as beautiful as the slant front desk and in really great condition--but can you spot the problem? Yep, once again, it is the bracket feet. They have been reduced in height and that really lowers the value of the chest. You could restore the feet, but with English pieces not selling that well, not a good idea.

Next I spied this phenomenal pair of bronze (or brass) candlesticks.

For years I collected 17th and 18th c. brass candlesticks--primarily while living in Spain and then here, upon our return. But I sold the collection several years ago, keeping only the miniatures. However, I have always wanted a pair (or even a single) of this type. The pair that showed up at auction are 17th c. Dutch with a large mid-drip pan; iron prickets were added to the nozzle (I think that's what the candle holding section is called). I didn't take photos of the underside (most important for dating purposes) but these guys were "right": exactly what I have coveted for more than 20 years. But did I really need them? Is there a big market for them right now? Or am I simply feeling my addiction start to raise its unwanted head?............. To be safe, I decided to not go to the auction until I was reasonably sure that these amazing pieces had already gone to the block. I don't know what they sold for, but I was on to other quests.

I brought home this set of 6!!! mid-century forged iron and woven leather folding stools--aren't those great balls!! I scored with these guys......... Just look at the great patina to both the iron and the leather and all were in superb condition.

Next, I spotted this French early 18th c. trestle table and I wanted her--the detail, the authentic wear and patina, the color are all the best.

Placed around the trestle table was a set of 6 Directoire (c. 1790-1800) walnut dining chairs all in perfect condition

Being a chair addict, I wanted them soooo badly. But I refrained, even when they sold at a very low price. You see, I was saving my pennies for these beauties.

On Wednesday, when I previewed, I knew that I wanted both the trestle table and these consoles.....I really didn't think I had a chance for either one of them. Trestle tables like the French table usually sell for about $2500-$3000. And a PAIR of 18th c. Italian Baroque Consoles usually sell for about $4000-$5000 at high end auctions (and some of the heavy-hitters were in the room). But with the knowledge of: "nothing ventured, nothing gained", I was determined to make an attempt.

The Italian (actually, I think Tuscan is the appropriate term--"Italy" did not exist until the 19th c.) Consoles were the first to come to the block. I really don't know who messed up or why, but the auctioneers didn't pull the consoles up to the block, they didn't even comment on how great they were or that they were 18th c., etc. The auctioneer simply left them against the wall behind and partially hidden by a huge Renaissance Revival dining table and chairs. (That was my first indication that I might have a chance) The bidding started at $100--(I thought that Don had lost his marbles: why so low?) I came in at $600 and won the bid at $1000 even (plus 18% buyer's fee). I couldn't believe it. These are the times I am very much aware of the Heavens convening to grant me my wishes. This is when my awareness of connections and blessings overflows. (You can go to 1stdibs to see comps on consoles similar to these guys)

The French Trestle table came up very soon after the consoles. Sure enough, the table was taken to the block and really talked up (praised) and she sold for about $3000.

I was so glad that I had followed that whispered advice to buy the consoles as I would never have bought the table (at that price) in a million years. Tables like the French one are being shown in many of the current shelter magazines; so that probably accounts for its price point.

I bought a few more items--they'll wait for another post.

Just a quick note on the campaigning ventures: GO HILLARY!! 

Jones badly needs a haircut, but I spent his spa money on the Tuscan consoles...I think he'll get over it (but only if I keep the air conditioning on as he gets very hot with all of the hair).

Have a great summer week-end. We are celebrating my daughter and very talented grandson's birthdays with a big family celebration--can't wait to see everyone.

How is it possible that it's August already?Hopefully, our weather will stay on the cool side as Pasadena can be hot-hot-hot.

Mary & Jones & Cole

GRATITUDE FOR MIRACLES

Everyone has gone home after a sweet Thanksgiving Day surrounded by family. It was just about as good as it gets. I baked with different sets of children......the teenage boys were the most challenging. (I almost killed the 13 year old--but we both survived) Made pecan pies with the boys....pumpkin pies with Kaia and Mia (above) and chocolate cake with Lauren. The turkey was big and delicious and done just on time.

Since it is a day for giving thanks, I thought it was time for an update on Miracle Mia. As you can see from the photo, she is doing super well. She is loving kindergarten and even wants to go to school on holidays. We have come so far in the last two years: exactly two years ago she and Grace had just returned from six weeks of daily (except week-ends) Proton Radiation Therapy for the brain tumor and cyst that were sitting on her pituitary gland. She was a bit fuzzy and her reactions were slow and we had no idea what the results would be and how her brain would heal itself. And just look a healthy normal 5 year old!!! Yes, she will have to be on a highly regimented schedule of hormones for the rest of her life as her pituitary is not functioning--or the next miracle will happen and that little gland will restart itself. You just never know and prayer heals.

Of course, I can't resist an update on restorations that Roberto has been working on.

Here's the photo of the 16 lanterns before we did anything to them

They were very very very grundgy (sp?)......Roberto even found bird's nests and a couple of tiny eggs while he was cleaning them. (I felt bad asking Roberto to carry out such a menial task, but that seeded glass would be exceedingly $$$$$$$ to replace and I do not trust any other person to be as careful as Roberto)  And look at how they turned out

The lanterns are solid copper and super heavy. Still need to acquire the few parts that are missing, but tht shouldn't be a problem. So if anyone needs 16 vintage copper lanterns, you know where to go.

And finally, I'm so grateful for Mr. Jones surviving the massive ear infection that almost killed him last year...the infection took a tole, but he's back to his usual happy, naughty self. He is not a kisser, but he loves Lauren.

And, finally, thank you to all of you who read this blog. I am truly blessed.

Wishing you all the best of the coming week-end. Forget the shopping (except for antiques, art and decorative objects--bien sure). Hopefully we will all have time to enjoy the end of autumn weather.

Sending love for a wonderful start to this Christmas season.

Mary & Jones & Cole

CHRISTMAS GRATITUDE

This is the condition of my fantastic pair of c. 1950-70's terra cotta dolphins from my prior post. Super as found condition, but with the major exception of the broken off top plateau on both dolphins. I was pretty sure that the tops could not be restored--I considered fitting a marble piece to the bases, perhaps a faux marble......but just look at what my amazing ceramic and glass restorer magically did to my guys-----

Restorations at this level of perfection are not cheap, but are definitely worth their weight in gold. I will point out the fact that the tops have been restored when selling; but I'll also explain that the tops are now stronger than the original tops as they have been recreated using steel wire dowels and mesh which will make them super strong and able to withstand being picked up by the tops, instead of properly picked up by the bases. 

Couple of detail shots.......

  

Christmas did come early!!

And while we are on the subject of Christmas, I STILL HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING.

I know, I know..... Perhaps, I just won't. It has been a very unusual year. Move to new location (just up the street); Mia's illness; my son Andrew returning from his latest quest; new partner; no new partner; braces for Ethan; "Morning Mom" for many months, etc., etc., etc.

I am incredibly grateful for this amazing year--enormous personal growth; revisiting so many situations of the past, but not making the same (stuck) decisions; even relinquishing my love of Christmas at my house (just this year) to my daughter without guilt or sadness. The simple joy of just being with what is. 

Well, I do need to get busy baking pies, need to get to grocery store (oops--will there be any food left?)...

But Monday is here and it's off to the shop to meet with 3 designers who made appointments with me yesterday!!! We'll see what arrives in Santa's sleigh today.

Jones says "hi"--he had donuts for breakfast yesterday. He loves donuts and knows exactly where the donut shop is and points to it every time we drive by. What's a mom to do?

Sending Christmas blessings for a joyous time surrounded by love and gratitude.

Mary & Jones (and Cole)