July 1, 2020

Happy Independence Day!  We’ll be closed on Saturday, July 4^th, for the occasion.

This month’s featured item is the marble-topped, Victorian stand shown below and on our website at the Recent Acquisitions Page.  This particular stand is walnut and burled walnut and is 31 inches high by 21 inches wide and 19 ½ inches long. The stand  from between 1870 and 1890 has a single drawer with original brass and a storage section with a door and one shelf.

 

 

 

We love the look of marble, so have multiple marble-topped tables at home; however, it’s important to remember that marble is much softer than the granite or quartz used for kitchen countertops, and to protect it accordingly.  Clean your marble surfaces with warm water and a soft cloth.  Acid-based household cleaners can damage your marble, so consider using a specialized stone soap, a mild phosphate-free dishwashing liquid, or a vegetable oil-based soap, being sure to rinse the soap off thoroughly.  Consider sealing your marble to repel stains; when water no longer beads on the surface, it’s time to reseal.  Use coasters to protect your marble as if it were a fine wood.  If something spills on the marble, clean it up immediately, but not using hot water, which may make the stain worse.  Vinegar, citrus and tomato are particularly damaging to marble.  To get rid of stubborn stains, use a poultice paste made by combining a tablespoon or two of dish soap with a cup of flour and enough water to make a paste.  Spread the paste onto the stain and cover with plastic wrap sealed with painters’ tape.  Once dry, usually 12-24 hours, scrape the paste off and wipe with a damp cloth.  If the stain doesn’t come out, you may need to reapply paste.  With a little care your marble-topped furniture will look gorgeous for years!

Lynne & Bob McCann