I started this story in another thread, but I thought it would be better to wrap it together here. Limbert model #4 'porch' rocker in ash as seen in the 1903 and 1905 catalogs. Picture order as follows.
1) as found condition
2) results of cleaning with laundry detergent followed by alcohol
3) after a few minor repairs with 2 spit coats of shellac, one clear, one tinted with a little brown dye (first two picture sets only)
4) finished with a coat of dark brown wax

Note there was no staining or sanding done at all . The only liberty I took was to flip the right and left back slats to even out the slight bow they had, in-line with the bow in the centre slat, which doesn't really show in the pics (the centre slat doesn't appear to be ash but maybe maple or birch??)

Stonecat,

I am surprised to see that Limbert used bolts to secure the arms.

Bev.

Looks great! I really like the process you used. Seems to be about as little as you could do to get it back to a really nice condition. I like that. It doesn't have that "restored" look to it (i.e. too rubbed down and shiny). Good work, and thanks for giving us the details and great photos explaining how you did it! The wood grain is beautiful.

You'll find that Limbert used bolts a lot on their "porch" line of furniture...

Yes, there's lots of hardware in the Limbert 'porch' furniture, used on purpose I suppose to simplify construction but to also allow the piece to be easily tightened up as it got a bit wiggly over time, based on being exposed to the extremes of weather.

16 bolts and nuts and a few washers - 2 of the bolts are actually steel rods from the front seat support rail to the back rail

8 screws, 4 holding the top back rail to the side rails, and 4 on inside corner braces behind the corbels

4 nails holding the lower back support to the side rails, 4 nails in the corbels (I think) and several smaller nails holding the seat slats to rails and the rails to the support pieces.

Thanks for the information about the nuts and bolts. I didn't know any of that.

Bev.

Certainly looks like a very well built and good looking rocker! Has a real nice glow!
Well Done!