Definition of “Treasure”

How do you define “treasure”?

How often do you find a real treasure in your own home?

Well, if you’re a furniture-ista like me, you will understand when I say my found treasure is of the wood kind! lol

Now, mind you, I’ve always been somewhat of a sleuth.  All antiquers (is this a word?) are for that matter and in addition I read every one of the Nancy Drew mysteries when I was in middle school. I guess this should make me somewhat of an expert detective.  Just kidding. Sleuthing and antiquing are a natural fit.

I found this round vintage table at an antique mall in Louisville during the building of our house and knew it would be perfect for the breakfast nook.  Below is a view from the kitchen.

Notice Murphy’s very trendy animal print (no pun intended) dog pillow in the foreground of the picture below!

As I was looking under the tabletop of the table,  I noticed something I hadn’t seen before…(yes, I was laying on my back looking up at the underneath of the table…weird, I know, but I was cleaning the elegantly carved center pedestal).  There was a little metal tag…and it said:

That’s right. Made in Italy, Hand Made.

Woo Hoo!  You’d have thought I just struck gold!  Well, furniture gold, that is!

To a furnitureista, this is major!

I bought it for several of it’s outstanding features without even knowing it was Italian.

It has solid mahogany construction with a gorgeous banded outer inlay (sorry for the little bit of glare, it’s the glass on top).

 

It also has very detailed carving on the pedestal with brass bound feet.  I know it is very Sheraton in style, and doesn’t quite go with a French Country look, but I like the unexpected in design to keep you on your toes and add a little visual tension.  The color of the mahogany is also a little too dark for my current taste, but sometimes a piece is just too special to change. The French Provençal rush seat chairs aren’t antique, but came from Pierre Deux. I was so sad to see Pierre Deux go out of business as they were one of my favorite places to shop.

Anyway, all joking aside, I really was surprised to find this tag.  I have bought and sold antiques for about 15 years now, and I always look pieces over very carefully to see if there are any markings.  I can’t believe I let this fine piece get by me without actually  knowing what I purchased.

ITALY?  Are you kidding me? You usually don’t find marked Italian pieces as often.  Why do things always seem to be better or more valuable  if they’re made in France or Italy?  Maybe just a romantic notion, I guess,  but  the craftsmanship on this piece is superb.  It’s not antique, just vintage, probably made in the 50’s or 60’s, or maybe as late as the 70’s.

 

 

 It may not be gold or silver, but it’s a real treasure to me.  Remember, I love wood and I’m a furniture-ista, which by my own definition is someone who loves furniture more than clothes!  This piece isn’t going anywhere, it’s staying with me.

Gotta run. Gotta go check underneath all my furniture now. lol  Maybe there’s more surprises in store.

Happy Treasure Hunting, or as the French would say, Trésors!

Blessings,

Kim

Joining these great bloggers for the following linky parties:

Newbie Party at Debbie Doo’s Blogging & Blabbing

Tuesday’s Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

WOW Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

{Primp} Your Stuff Wednesday at Michele Raven Designs

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch To Yours

Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Show and Tell Friday at Romantic Home

Potpourri Friday at 2805