Project description
TranslatedI have a small antique wooden sewing box passed down from my great-grandmother, and I'm looking for an experienced craftsman to restore it to a usable and dignified condition. It's a chest-type box with a drop lid about the size of a large book, inside is a removable tray with small compartments for thread spools, needles, thimbles and other small items. The outside of the case is decorated with a pattern of inlaid veneer strips forming a geometric frame around the perimeter, and in a couple of places along one edge the inlay has peeled off and cracked.
After many years of storage in dry conditions, the wood has suffered. The hinges have loosened, one of the small brass hooks holding the lid closed is bent and no longer latches properly. The finish has tarnished considerably, peels in places, old lacquer has yellowed and is covered with a fine network of cracks. Inside, the lining fabric of the tray and bottom is torn in several places, and the padding underneath has shifted and lost its shape. One of the dividers inside the compartmented tray has come unglued from its original position.
What I expect from this order:
1) Careful cleaning and reinforcement of the wood, including gluing the detached divider and securing the lifted inlay in harmony with the surrounding pattern.
2) Careful restoration of the original finish without complete stripping and recoating, preserving the natural patina and color as much as possible.
3) Repair or careful replacement of hinges and bent hook-latch — preferably matching period hardware or carefully repair the existing one.
4) Replacement of internal fabric lining and padding with material similar in tone and density to the original, preserving the shape of the compartments.
5) Final protective wax or polish coating so it is safe to handle, but doesn't look artificially new.
I would like to see photos of similar completed restoration work before starting, ready to agree on a written condition report and step-by-step plan before any irreversible actions. Please give an estimate based on the described scope and let me know what additional information or photos of the box itself you will need for an accurate estimate. Regarding timeline, I'm willing to show reasonable flexibility, but would like to receive the finished work in approximately two to three weeks after materials are selected. I can send the box in secure packaging or arrange for personal delivery depending on your location.
After many years of storage in dry conditions, the wood has suffered. The hinges have loosened, one of the small brass hooks holding the lid closed is bent and no longer latches properly. The finish has tarnished considerably, peels in places, old lacquer has yellowed and is covered with a fine network of cracks. Inside, the lining fabric of the tray and bottom is torn in several places, and the padding underneath has shifted and lost its shape. One of the dividers inside the compartmented tray has come unglued from its original position.
What I expect from this order:
1) Careful cleaning and reinforcement of the wood, including gluing the detached divider and securing the lifted inlay in harmony with the surrounding pattern.
2) Careful restoration of the original finish without complete stripping and recoating, preserving the natural patina and color as much as possible.
3) Repair or careful replacement of hinges and bent hook-latch — preferably matching period hardware or carefully repair the existing one.
4) Replacement of internal fabric lining and padding with material similar in tone and density to the original, preserving the shape of the compartments.
5) Final protective wax or polish coating so it is safe to handle, but doesn't look artificially new.
I would like to see photos of similar completed restoration work before starting, ready to agree on a written condition report and step-by-step plan before any irreversible actions. Please give an estimate based on the described scope and let me know what additional information or photos of the box itself you will need for an accurate estimate. Regarding timeline, I'm willing to show reasonable flexibility, but would like to receive the finished work in approximately two to three weeks after materials are selected. I can send the box in secure packaging or arrange for personal delivery depending on your location.
Other / Miscellaneous Cash, Bank transfer
