My upcoming Fall project

Last year, I was fortunate enough to participate in the Society of American Period Furniture Makers exhibiting at the Detroit Institute of Art.  We will be having another exhibition in March of 2014, an exhibition for which I need to make a piece.

I've loved this hanging cabinet ever since I first saw it in Antiques and Fine Art magazine earlier this year.  It was for sale by a major antiques dealer. The price was $20,000.

c. Antiquarian Equities, Inc.

Is it a little weird, perhaps unique? Absolutely. I've never seen another just like it.  Some will say the proportions are off, that the facade is way over the top. I agree. All of these things draw me to this piece for some reason. It has character, a je ne sais quoi that calls me to it.  I must make it.

The original is a New England piece, c. 1790. It is about 25.5" tall, 16.5" wide and 11 3/4" deep. Using the magic of Google Sketchup (a program I am still not very skilled with, but that is helpful for things like this) I worked out the dimensions and designed the piece as close as I can without actually paying $20,000 for the original.


I also added a hidden little bonus: a secret document drawer behind one of the side moldings.



Keep an eye on this space for details regarding construction, the sash door, and the secret lock setup on the drawer. Should be a fun piece.

Oh, and if you are wondering what has kept me from my blog for so long... here is your answer...


Its my new 1926 Model T. Sat in a barn since the lat 1940s. She now runs and drives very well after a couple of months of efforts. Still needs quite a bit of cosmetic work, as it doesn't really look any different now than it did in that photo. New tires and painted wheels, but thats it.

See you on down the road.

Zach

8 comments:

  1. Just wandered onto your site. I totally relate to your wonder of all things wonderful! If that makes any sense at all. I do believe I need to keep up with what you are doing it keeps me inspired and feeling a little less alone. Happy trails

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    1. I'm glad you enjoy my site and my work. Take care!

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  2. Replies
    1. You're right! It is a lot of fun. Expensive, but worth it. Yesterday I had a nice fall cruise (at about 30 mph) down the country back roads near my house. Leaves changing colors, sunshine, can't beat an open car for enjoying a warm fall day.

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  3. Awesome cabinet Zach. I have been envisioning something similar for a cabinet I'm designing now but kept thinking the faux bonnet top would just be over the top. Its nice to see something like this in the wild.

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  4. Hi Zach,

    Great looking project (both of them)! The cabinet looks like someone was practicing skils and made figured they may as well make something useful. It's kindof cool looking....maybe you're inspiring me! Anyway, I look forward to following your build over the coming weeks...please share as much detail as you can..especially in building the sash, and the goose neck molding. I'm still trying to wrap my head around how to do that by hand.

    Best wishes!
    Derek

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  5. OMG!!!! You and I most be cut from the same loaf of bread. I love the model T. It is up there with VW Type II pickup. Congrats!!!! I want a ride!!!!

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    1. Once its done, I'd be happy to take you around the countryside. It is a ridiculous amount of fun to drive, even in its half-finished state.

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