I went to an auction yesterday to look at a settle that looked A & C on auctionzip. When I got there it was very large but covered in homemade items. I didn't have time to look it over closely. It was sold as a "mission bench". It is 72 inches which was the length I wanted to replace my couch. I paid a staggering $875.00 for it. I got caught up in the moment and was sure I bid too much. Turns out that it is branded with limbert under the arm. I took the fabric off and it looks like (what could be) original leather in nice condition. I felt better about my purchase, but still wonder if I paid too much. I can't find a current value. I think it is #939. The finish is pretty good, just needs cleaned.

This is the picture from auctionzip

Hello Jackson,
For an original Limbert piece I would say that you made a good buy for your money. Are the leather cushions separate or is it one long cushion. I can't tell from the picture, also does it come apart with the back rest and back and front rails, leaving only the ends completely assembled? Stickley used that method for some of his settees but, I am not sure if Limbert did.

At any rate I feel you got a good deal with your bid.

Respectfully,

Ralph

Thanks for your input Ralph. I feel better. It is not one that breaks down. It is very solid. It has one long seat. I do love it.

I think you got a good deal at $875 for a signed Libert bench settle. That would be about right for this style. The so-called "crib" settles are much more expensive. I would replace the current upholstery with leather. The back originally did not have a cushion, so this detail was added later. I would personally remove that back cushion. Or if you want it, have it covered in leather to match the seat. Or just add matching leather throw pillows. When you clean it, don't use any kind of alcohol or solvent that can strip the original finish. Use something like lemon oil to clean the surface. I wouldn't use linseed oil either to clean. You can also use water and light detergent to get rid of grease and dirt. Or there are products like Restore A Finish that comes in a variety of wood colors to match your furiture's wood and hide stratchs and dings. After you lightly oiled and cleaned the wood. Wipe off down the piece and wax it with a good furniture paste wax. Let dry and buff.

Hello,

I must say that you found an excellent Limbert settee!!! I do adore that! While I was gawking at your settee and I could not help spotting a nice Ingraham wall clock that I have exact clock as you have and I would like to know if that is an old ice box sitting on the right by Limbert setting?

Regards,

Daniel

Hello Friends,
For cleaning the wood of the settee or any other antique you want to use Murphy's Soap but not any water, rather just mix up the soap and water making bubbles and clean with those bubbles wiping dry as you go along. I use it quite often when a client only wants the piece cleaned but don't trust them selves with the job. Each time you apply the bubbles and work them in the dirt that has gathered over the years starts hard at first but continued applications make it work quite well and the one thing about cleaning antiques is Patience.
One thing that you might find helpful inthe cleaning of any piece of furniture is to buy the 3-M imitation steel wool as you will find it less tiring on your fingers, also I recommend wearing rubber gloves if your hands are not used to the soap and many chemicals used in the restoration of some furniture.

Here is a circa 1930 walking cane show case I reproduced because the original was riddled with termites.



Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

Thanks for all the good advice on cleaning. Ralph that is a nice piece you restored. The other item in the photo that looks like an ice box, is actually a signed Lakeside craft shop Cellarette. The top folds open to expose an ashtray and counter for your drink. The top door is to store tobacco and the bottom has a lazy susan for alcohol bottles and holders for glasses. It has a nice label on the bottom. Thanks for asking, Daniel. Also my clock doesn't work. : (