I just bought this little bookcase. Alas, it has been badly funked over with ugly paint, then only partially stripped to double it's ghastliness. Does anyone recognize the colorful label? And if it were properly stripped can you hazard a guess as to it's value?
Thanks a million...
Neil

Awesome find! It looks like it will take considerable restoration to bring it back to it's former glory, there are several posts on these forums that reference the company that made this bookcase. Kudos to you for seeing what is beneath the "funkiness" and rescuing it from oblivion.

Dano

Yes, it was a good find. I didn't want to crow earlier but I'll tell now; I paid 7 bucks for it. Certainly cheap enough, but do I want to expend the considerable elbow grease stripping it? Also, since I posted earlier I've noticed that the label is that of the Lakeside Craft Shop. I'll look around to see if there are any links posted here to inform me about the place.
Toodles,
Neil

Your bookcase is listed as "Book Rack" B2 in the reprint of the 1912 Lakeside Craft Shops catalog. The dimensions are listed as 18 1/2 x 13, Height 32 inches. The catalog shows a small round cutout at the bottom of the middle post that yours doe not have.

Here's a recent auction result from Rago http://ragoarts.com/lot/61191

I believe that one has its original finish.

Dear Frank,
You're a peach to provide such precise and thorough information. Thank you for your kindness!
Sincerely,
Neil

Good Morning Neil,
First off welcome to the Arts and Crafts Society as you will find much to learn about from the different forums in our format of forums.

I refinish many pieces and have found that a little TLC can go a long way in the restoration.

In your case it would not hurt to strip all the way down to the bare wood, salvaging the label and then allow it to completely acclimate to your homes envirenment before applying any stain or finish. To give it the Mission Style finish use the stain by Varethane that used to be called Mission Oak but, now is called Gun Stock. Prep your piece with what I call a wash.
This is made by using three parts mineral spirits to one part of the stain you choose to use. Using a soft lint free rag ( I use old worn out T shirts to tear into 6" squares and fold them so you have about a two inch wide wad to dip into the wash. Cover the piece but, don't drown it with excess wash.
Allow the wash to dry for at least 24 hours and then you may apply the full strength stain by hand applying it in a circular motion while blending in for a good coverage.

Each time you dip your rag into the stain start applying it away from where you left off and then work it back to the previously stained portion blending as you go.

When the stain has dried for at least 24 hours, lightly sand with 3-M #0 Imitation steel wool to eliminate the small feathering that is caused by the liquid after application.
Vacuum the dust off rather than wiping with a cloth and apply your first coat of your desired finish. You may brush it on or as I choose to do hand rub the finish on to prevent any runs ,drips or errors.

I do hope this information will help you in your restoration of that beautiful piece.

Here is a sample of some of my work.



Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

The Lakeside Craft Shops - A Brief History and 1912 Catalog

Reprint of the 1912 catalog. This furniture manufacturer had an interesting history and produced an interesting line of Arts and Crafts mission period furniture and wooden accessories. A brief history of the company is included by Peter A. Copeland. Features over 300 pieces of Arts and Crafts furniture and home furnishings in oak and mahogany, including flower and fern dishes, bookends and book racks, cellarettes, smokers stands, waste baskets, footstools, jardiniere stands, window boxes, serving trays, and umbrella stands with many unique and distinctive Arts and Crafts designs. This catalog will help you to identify many mission pieces that you have either seen or that you own that you were not able to determine the maker. 106 pp.

Good Evening Antique Home,
I just made a search on Barnes and Noble Books and could not find the one you posted.

Can you tell me where it can be purchased?

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

Ralph,
Click "The Lakeside Crafts Shops" in Antique Homes post above. It will take you to the Marketplace section of the website. Follow the directions to order.

Dear Ralph,
How generous you are to detail for me the best process for stripping and refinishing this piece. From the looks of your gorgeous table you certainly know what you're talking about, and have honed your skills.
I still haven't decided whether to do the tedious work it will probably take to hand-strip this sweet little "magazine stand" carefully and thoroughly. Honestly, although I do appreciate and enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of Arts and Crafts furniture and furnishings, it's not really my "favoritest" style. Now if this were a piece of English Egyptian Revival from the early nineteenth century I'd be on it like a tick on a dog.
So I'm leaning toward just selling it "as is" and letting someone else (someone whose heart beats faster than mine for this handsome style), letting them do the grunt-work and reap the considerable rewards. At the moment I'm thoroughly occupied with finishing the restoration of the front of our Spanish style stucco house here is San Francisco, cutting some stained glass to go into a pair of vintage, hand-wrought, grand-scale iron light sconces I just picked up for the front porch, and fashioning a "rustic" wooden door to cover the water-hose niche.
Sincerely,
Neil

Hello Neil,
It was my pleasure to offer my help when ever possible.

Frank thank you as I will head that way soon.I would truley like to own a copy.

Ralph

Hi Neil,

That is a neat little stand.
I have refinished many pieces although I prefer original finish. You are right though, it can be labor intensive especially if paint has been applied to bare wood.
I would love to tackle the refinishing of that stand if you want to sell as is.
Let me know.

Jeff
jefsndy@sbcglobal.net