What kind of wood is this?

[Unitedstatesofamerica1]

 

[osage express]

I want to say Mohogany. But it could also be Cherry.That is a tough one..See what the others say.

 

[MUD(S.W.A.T)]

These types of desks are generally Cherry. I am betting on Cherry. Its a really nice one, are you going to refinish it ?

 

[Indian Steve]

Fantastic table! My guess is walnut but it is really hard to tell in the pictures. Looks really early. What is it's story?

 

[Unitedstatesofamerica1]

I don't think I'll refinish it I like the old look, I don't really have a story about the table but I was looking up that it could be a wine table or a candle stand table thank you everyone for your answers it really helps

 

[Indian Steve]

I would call it a candle stand. Please don't do any refinishing. It looks like it has had some repairs in the past but any refinishing could really hurt value. I think it is beautiful just like it is. Congrats on your great find.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I would guess cherry. Hard to tell on the top surface with the finish (stripper?) streaks on.

 

[MUD(S.W.A.T)]

Nothing wrong with refinishing if done by a professional. Most people try it themselves and destroy pieces. Usually to much finish and over sanding... If done correctly it can improve the value, just like coins and other relics. I'll stress one more time only if done professionally !!

Keep @ It and HH !!

 

[austin]

Nothing wrong with refinishing if done by a professional. Most people try it themselves and destroy pieces. Usually to much finish and over sanding... If done correctly it can improve the value, just like coins and other relics. I'll stress one more time only if done professionally !!

Keep @ It and HH !!

Might want to talk to some professional antique appraisers. Refinishing can really destroy the value on old furniture. Might watch Leigh and Leslie Keno on Antiques Roadshow. They have a shop in New York and are about the best...

 

[BosnMate]

The first picture I thought mahogany, but it also has a grain a lot like walnut. But the pictures are tough to really tell. Cherry is possible, as is maple from that time period.

 

[BIGSCOTT]

looks like american chesnut, if so it's very rare as the tree almost went to extinction in the 1800's from chesnut blight.

 

[BIGSCOTT]

after closely examining the photo graphs i am almost sure it is chesnut.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

My thoughts were walnut.

 

[Indian Steve]

Chestnut was very rarely used as the primary wood {wood you can see}. It was used on drawer bottoms and sides, backs of furniture where you couldn't see it. Primary woods were usually walnut, cherry, mahogany, rosewood, etc.

 

[Mud Hut]

Sure looks like slow grown 'mountain' cherry to me.

 

[cazisme]

Morning wood?

 

[steel220]

The grain in that wood looks fairly coarse which would lead me to dicount it as cherry or walnut. I would lean toward the chestnut or a finer grained oak possibly red oak

 

[stefen]

This table has a lot of character and has seen a lot of use...and maybe abuse, as well.

Looks like a paint or oil can ring...and possibly water marks too.

Regardless of the wood type, refinishing using strippers, scrapers or sanding will get you a new wood look. Big mistake.

...there are 5 similar tables in our Vicky and the color range varies from tan to almost black...(and the woods are either Mahogany, Black Walnut or fumed Oak). My guess is the table is walnut that never saw oil or wax in the last 100 years...wood looks really dry...

The tops of most tables of that type were either marble or varnished wood and the legs were either bare or lightly varnished.

This is a late 1800's table and would benefit using alchahol to remove the water marks on the top (if its varnished) and possibly several coats of Danish Oil (or equal)...the Danish Oil will leave a soft satin hand-rubbed finish.

 

[david680]

Hard to tell, but I think mahogany.

 

[Breezie]

The top and the pedestal look like walnut. The legs look like a different wood.

Neat find
Breezie