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Museum-Quality Preservation & Expert Craftsmanship
Your antique furniture represents history, craftsmanship, and family heritage. Weathersby Guild specializes in museum-quality antique restoration throughout San Antonio, Austin, and surrounding areas. Our craftsmen use traditional techniques and period-appropriate materials to preserve the authenticity and value of your treasured pieces.
We begin with comprehensive evaluation to identify the piece's age, maker, construction methods, and historical significance. Detailed photography and measurements document original condition. We research provenance and period-appropriate techniques. This assessment guides our restoration approach to preserve authenticity and value.
Our experts examine structural integrity, finish condition, veneer status, and hardware originality. We identify wood species, joinery methods, and construction techniques. Based on this analysis, we develop a detailed restoration plan that respects the piece's historical character while addressing necessary repairs.
Using traditional methods, we gently disassemble joints without causing damage. Original glue is softened with appropriate solvents. Each component is labeled and documented. Surfaces are cleaned using conservation-approved methods that remove grime while preserving original finish and patina where appropriate.
We repair broken components using period-appropriate wood species and traditional joinery. Loose joints are reglued with hide glue for authenticity. Damaged veneers are carefully lifted, repaired, and re-laid. Missing inlays are recreated by hand. All repairs are reversible following museum conservation standards.
Depending on piece value and condition, we preserve original finish or apply period-appropriate new finish. We use traditional techniques like French polishing, shellac application, or hand-rubbed oil finishes. Colors are carefully matched, and aging is replicated to blend repairs. Patina is preserved or recreated authentically.
Components are expertly reassembled using traditional methods. Original hardware is cleaned, repaired, or replicated as needed. Conservation-grade wax provides final protection. We provide detailed documentation of work performed, materials used, and care recommendations for long-term preservation.
True antiques are generally over 100 years old. We examine construction methods, hardware, wood species, joinery techniques, and tool marks to determine age. Hand-cut dovetails, mortise-and-tenon joints, wood pegs, and period-specific design elements help establish authenticity. We also research makers' marks and labels to verify provenance.
Proper conservation and restoration typically maintain or increase value. The key is using appropriate, reversible techniques and period-correct materials. Over-restoration or refinishing rare pieces can decrease value, which is why we always recommend conservation-first approaches. We discuss options thoroughly before any work begins.
This depends on the piece's condition, rarity, and intended use. Original finish often adds value and historical authenticity. We preserve it when possible using cleaning and reviving techniques. When finishes are beyond saving, we use period-appropriate refinishing methods. For museum pieces, we lean toward conservation; for functional furniture, restoration may be better.
French polishing is a traditional technique using shellac applied in many thin layers with a pad, creating a deep, lustrous finish. It's appropriate for fine 18th and 19th-century pieces originally finished this way. The technique brings out wood's natural beauty while remaining historically authentic. It's labor-intensive but produces unmatched results for period furniture.
We maintain an extensive inventory of reclaimed and aged wood from period-appropriate species. For visible repairs, we match grain pattern, color, and figure. Wood is aged through various techniques to match surrounding areas. For structural repairs hidden from view, strength and stability matter more than appearance, though we still use appropriate species.
Yes, veneer repair is one of our specialties. We carefully lift damaged veneers, repair the substrate, and re-lay them with traditional hide glue. Missing veneer is replaced with period-appropriate wood, book-matched when possible. We have access to exotic and rare veneers used in antique furniture, including burls, crotch figures, and specialty species.
Conservation focuses on stabilization and preservation with minimal intervention, prioritizing the piece's historical integrity. Restoration involves more active repair and refinishing to return the piece to functional, beautiful condition. We offer both approaches depending on the piece's value, rarity, condition, and your intended use.
Project timelines vary depending on complexity. Simple repairs may take several weeks, while elaborate case pieces or heavily damaged items can require multiple months. We never rush antique work - traditional techniques and proper drying times ensure quality results that last generations.
Your antiques deserve the highest level of care and expertise. Our master craftsmen use museum-quality techniques to ensure your treasured pieces can be enjoyed for generations to come.