Antique Wardrobe - Doesn't Fit Upstairs!

Gloomendoom

DaftyDuck wrote: »

Plumb bath in, in the front garden? A little vegetation for privacy - strictly no cacti allowed!



Sorted.

That actually looks quite nice.

Schmetterling

Thanks everyone. I contacted two experts and one has got back to me and will hopefully come round to look at it soon. He didn't sound TOO shocked/horrified so maybe it's not that uncommon.

The bedroom window is much too small and there is no bannister on the stair to move - it's enclosed by walls and a door! The wardrobe door is already off and the door to the stairs isn't the obstruction (the wall is) so not much I can do there.

I suppose it just looks like I'll have to get a quote from this guy and decide whether it's for selling or altering! I might just have to list it for sale in the meantime then as I can guess I won't be able to afford the restoration company's quote. Cannot believe how stupid I am. The wardrobe is absolutely perfect!

Biggles

Schmetterling wrote: »

Thanks everyone. I contacted two experts and one has got back to me and will hopefully come round to look at it soon.

Just out of curiosity: what is he an expert in?

macman

Are you sure it won't go through the b/r window if the glazing unit is removed first? This is a fairly simple job on most modern windows. I didn't mean just by opening the window.
I suppose the 'worst case' option is to move house...

DaftyDuck

OK, one thing I would say is, don't sell in desperation. Certainly not to a chap telling you he'll buy it as you can't get it up the stairs.

Vaguely, how much did it cost, and is this a fortune to you. How old is it, what is the construction, and are you any good at DIY (or a fast learner )?

If by antique we are talking a few thousand quid of Louis XIV, then I'd not recommend touching it, as you'll cost yourself a fortune.

I have, however, reconditioned several wardrobes and Tallboys (there's a Julian Clary double entendre in there somewhere), and that's including dismantling them.

There are two ways mine were joined, and I'll give a vague description. If you are interested in pursuing taking it apart, I'll happily try & help - but no guarantees. I'm sure there are umpteen more ways out there, but worth a look.

It's a two-person job to prevent damage (or one person more deft than me)

Type 1 seems to be common to Edwardian Tallboys, hanging closets, well-made stuff from the late 19th century. Referring to the middle section, they have solid thick wood base and lid, which is jointed (but not stuck) top and bottom into the sides. There are screws on one, pegs on the other. Unscrew top if screwed, use a mallet (rubber one best - don't use a hammer) or a block of wood wrapped in a towel on the underside and gently tap all the way round... should be some movement. If none, don't continue until you are sure there are no further screws or fixings.....


Hang on... I'm not sure you want all this, so I'll hold off. Hopefully, your bloke will get it up your landing for you (Mr Clary again). If not, and if looking at it suggests there might be disassembly, get back to us.

I'll show you photos of mine, if you'll show me yours.... (no, not him again!)

Schmetterling

Thanks again everyone for your input. I am delighted to say my 'expert' has been fantastic. He is an expert in the sense of making furniture and restoring antiques, by the way! Seems there are quite a few round here! He has taken a look at how it is nailed and glued and can take it apart and put it back together (with screws so it can be done again) in under an hour if all goes well, for only £25. Couldn't be happier - I get to keep my wardrobe!

Biggles

That's an incredibly good deal, I wish he lived around here!

DaftyDuck

That's a brilliant price - if he even half knows what he's doing! I was beginning to worry about offering on-line advice on how to take it apart (easy), and then put it together again (um, no glue on that bit, it's that bit that needs glue).... rather more difficult!

Let's face it, he'll know more than I do - about pretty much anything!

Schmetterling

Yes, I'm very happy. He's actually since revised it and we are going to have it cut in two as well, however, I still think it's great. He really knows what he's talking about. Over the moon.

dodders

Wow he's going to dismantle and re-assemble upstairs for £25!!

Last one I did was a Edwardian satin walnut double wardrobe took me 3/4 of day for £150 and that was converting it so could be dismantled quickly.

Could you let me have his number as I could sub out work to him!!!;)