Renovation of Notturno Intarsio Italian Game table

[timbo614]

Hi everyone, sorry, long time since I was around _ I'm hoping to semi-retire after Christmas soyou'll probably hear more from me, but I thought people may be interested in this table. The story behind it:
My Dad (who was a cabinet maker/Joiner bought this table in the early/mid seventies. He saw it while on a holiday in Italy and apparently just "had to have it". So he did and had it shipped back to England. There were rumblings (from my Mum) about how much it had cost - I think about £400, I've no idea if that included the shipping.

Anyway my "posher" sister has had it since Mum and Dad moved into a smaller place which was about 25-ish years ago (they have both passed on since). Now it has come about that my sister is moving to a smaller place and does not have room for it. Niether do I but I couldn't let it go so brought it back from Devon at the weekend. Out of curiousty I google "1970s Game table from Italy" and it seems the table (in excellent condition) is actually worth owning they are around £1,000 up to a stupidly hopefull USD 10,000. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Notturno-...able-Roulette-Chess-Inlaid-Wood-/171193015006

Unfortunately My sister and hubby have not really cared for it None of the damage is very serious, some of it may simply be age and having been kept in a centrally heated house. There are "knock marks" all over the edges and corners etc. There is a split on the main table rim/edging. It seems to have been damp and or has water/drinks damage especially on the top edging (see pictures). Also there is crazing of the laquer. I have done my best with the pics but these things are hard to capture. Inside it is fine except that the "biscuits" that were there to stop the roulette "betting boards" sliding right out have been broken off.

The inevitable question: How would members set about restoring it to it's former glory? It was and they are gorgeous - I had to use a strong magnifying glass to assure myself that the intarsio wasn't a transfer and the table a fake.

This table has by carelessness been allowed to get a bit sad and I would like to be able to get it back to good if never excellent condition. The other thing is of course that i do not have the skills/knowledge of this level of workmanship, I wouldn't even know what to polish it with to try and remove it's patina of light scratches...

 

[sunnybob]

Thats not a job for a beginner.
Give custard a shout.

 

[custard]

It's a bit florid for modern tastes, but the games component means it still has some value, and it's not an enormous brown lump, which means an interior designer might use it as a conversation piece.

But whatever you do forgot about DIY restoration, that's the quickest way of erasing any value the piece may have. If you're gagging to try your hand then pick up something for a tenner from your local auctions.

You live in a part of the country where, against all the odds, there are still some decent restorers and antique dealers. If it fits in your car take it (or some photos if it's too big) to an area with plenty of dealers, like Ripley or Petworth, and get their opinions. Ignore any sour faces or intakes of breath, dealers love walk-ins when it's something interesting and fresh to the market.

 

[deema]

That's definitely something for a French Polisher to have a look at.

If you'd like to have a go, have a look at the English Polisher on uTube for some tips on furniture restoration.

 

[MrTeroo]

Send it to The Repair Shop on BBC2

 

[profchris]

Unintuitively, this might be something to talk to a luthier about, if it's one split and otherwise finish restoration. Invisible repairs to splits are standard fare, as are high gloss finishes (acoustic guitar makers, not violin makers).

That would be for if you want to keep it and make it look as new. You should certainly take Custard's advice about taking it to a furniture specialist for an opinion, especially if you might sell it, as different markets take different views about restoration. For example, a vintage guitar (say 1930s) will lose 30% of its value if refinished, but maybe appreciate somewhat if the finish is appropriately restored. Furniture is different I'm sure, and your games table might have its own specialist market.

DIY will make it look horrid, unless you're already experienced in high level finishing (and you say you're not). To start with you have to identify the original finish - the cracked finish looks like nitrocellulose lacquer to me, but a picture isn't enough to tell. Then decide what kind of restoration you want. Then have the skills to do it, which to that level requires hundreds of hours experience.

The scratches you refer to might buff out using buffing compounds, but you can burn the finish and /or cut right through it if you don't know what you're doing. Polish in finish cracks can prevent restoration or make it more expensive.

I think the message is Don't Touch! Until it's been assessed by someone who understands what could be done and how to do it.

 

[timbo614]

Hi all, thanks for the replies. Firstly I wasn't going to try and do it myself, I would ruin it

I think initially I'm going to run with Custard's suggestion and haul it over to a Ripley dealer and get an opinion. It's not large - 30" square and I drive is a small Renault van, so not a problem. It is heavy but in pieces it's easy enough to manage.

Also I do not intend to sell it as tempting as that may be if it turns out OK and worth something. I'll pass it on to my daughter who will soon have a large enough place to fit it in.

I'll report back when I have some news but it may not be quick - leading up to trying to officially work less I seem to be busier than ever!