“I should have been a pair of ragged claws / Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.” T. S. Eliot

February 7, 2015February 18, 2015 / Christopher Storb / 2 Comments

I noticed something interesting several years ago when several of us were asked to examine two highly ornamented 18th century Philadelphia tea tables that are similar in overall form, to see if we could determine whether they were made as a pair of tables for a single client or simply two similar tables made by … Continue reading “I should have been a pair of ragged claws / Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.” T. S. Eliot

“Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.”

January 21, 2015March 17, 2015 / Christopher Storb / 5 Comments

For nearly a decade the American furniture market has been awash in highly ornamented 18th century Philadelphia tea tables, with newly discovered elaborate tables turning up on the market every few years. I recently examined a table previously unpublished and unknown to the field that is scheduled to be auctioned January 31st. It is very … Continue reading “Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.”

C. MAIERS UPDATE

November 18, 2014November 18, 2014 / Christopher Storb / Leave a comment

While I still don't know if the company of Chas. Maiers & Sons made the carving gouges that bear the imprint "C. MAIERS", how long the company existed, or why the company is not represented in compilations of New Jersey tool manufacturers, I recently came across this envelope bearing a printed Chas. Maiers & Sons … Continue reading C. MAIERS UPDATE

THE MYSTERIOUS C. MAIERS

November 13, 2014November 13, 2014 / Christopher Storb / 10 Comments

On the left in this image of carving gouges I've re-handled is a tool with the imprint "C. Maiers". The metal shank is short and it had an equally short handle making it difficult to control. Adding a longer than normal handle recreates something close to the original length making it easier to grasp. About … Continue reading THE MYSTERIOUS C. MAIERS

A NEW HANDLE FOR A S.J. JUNR.

November 6, 2014November 6, 2014 / Christopher Storb / Leave a comment

This mid-19th century carving gouge has lost some length in the blade but the steel is in good shape and it holds a keen edge. The handle was a different story, with several splits, losses and rough sections that made it difficult and uncomfortable to use. Another view of the gouge and the rough handle. … Continue reading A NEW HANDLE FOR A S.J. JUNR.