I've noticed a couple of ebayers (the main purveyor seems to be Globe Reproductions from Pensylvania) selling an imported line of A&C reproductions. Some of the designs are faithful repros, like the Limbert bookcase pictured below, and some are just interpretations. They claim to be made with 1/4 cut oak and use pegged tenons etc. Most of the pics of these pieces are a little on the low resolution side, and it's hard to see the finish and the grain of the wood. Does anyone have any experience with these products? The ebay feedback rating is good. Is there any quality in these pieces? Where do they come from? etc.
The wood used is white oak.. but does not appear to be quartered (or very little if any) .. the finish is very milky.. kind of odd.. I do know according to Frank Miller lumber, China is one of the largest purchasers of quartered oak (although none seems to have found its way into this piece) (LOL) Word of advise.. you get what you pay for.. and it is very easy to use a screw and a 3/8" oak plug and make it look like a pegged tenon (seen too many so called 'woodworkers' use that method)
Check out the wonderful wood used in the side view of this Globe piece.. I was looking for the Wal~Mart furniture stamp.. but could not find it.. (LOL)
I ran into the same problem with the 'green' look while putting up an oak ceiling in my house.. It was because I used oak plywood, and aged the wood.. for some reason the ager does not penetrate the pores on plywood as well.. I would bet the farm they use plywood.. (not a good thing)..
The dark spray on finish repro mission is brought in daily from China in containers and purchased by wholesalers and retailers across the country. The masses buy it because they no little or nothing about historic period examples, but just love the look and especially the price. It makes really good firewood when they are finished using it and move onto other styles.
