Monterey Values, Restoration and Desirability

Dear Friends of Monterey furniture. Its come to my attention that many people that own Monterey or have found pieces need a little guidance when it comes to When certain pieces were made, Keeping them in tip top shape and values.

First lets get to values. Most of the big money pieces that I have on my site are rare early Period pieces that were made during the Classic period . Are not Very common and are in nice original un-refinished condition unless stated otherwise. Later period pieces often look like there earlier Classic period cousins but are Smaller in size. Board thickness of the oregon Alder will be not as thick and the hardware less substantial Which makes them worth far less than there earlier classic period cousins. Why? Because the later pieces are more common. Monterey by 1935 became really popular with large department stores throughout the country, Road side Motels throughout the west and midwest. Mason manufacturing  kept up with all demand but had to cut corners and therefore the later pieces are not as hand made as the previous periods. 

Values. Again original finish is key and early colors such as Red, Blue, Old Wood and Green are the most popular. Smokey Maple one of my favorite finishes is probably the most common to find today. Often this finish has been enhanced over the period or really worn down. These contribute to the decline in the value of the piece.

I found a piece of Monterey but someone painted it. What do I do. First it has to be worth stripping and refinishing. If its a rare Classic piece its worth doing. Later pieces are worth doing only if you bought it right and want it for yourself.  . 

Restoration- I promote wax over refinishing. Often you can find colored waxes at your local High end hardware store that can enhance a beat up piece of Monterey without trying to refinish it and change its character. Also Clear paste wax is my recommended way of taking care of the painted surfaces of floral pieces..

I hope this helps. I am always open to discussion and i have only hit on a few points of value and would be glad to blog further.

Also I gotta tell everyone that I have a shop in Los Angles which is one of the most expensive places to do business. Therefore the prices quoted have to absorb my overhead. I have actually lowered prices of Monterey and other pieces to counter our economy. But can only Discount so much. My best and I hope this little rant clears some questions up.

CLOSED 4TH OF JULY..OPEN THE 5TH 1-5 SUNDAY

Juan Intinocho bar and Paintings price reduced

Bar is now priced to sell at 12,000.00... the Juans are greatly reduced and its never been a better time to buy. Check the website for summer sales and reduced prices on major pieces.