Monday, January 9, 2012

Just A Charming Little Old Hutch

I know you probably think it is just about time!
But we finally got the Christmas decorations down and put away. Sweet Daughter was here until last Wednesday so this past weekend was the first weekend that we had to dedicate to getting the house back in order. I'm okay with that though. I love Christmas and I love our time with the Sweet Daughter.
And truthfully... I hate packing it all away.

At any rate, it is done now and that includes the dishes. I don't know about you, but my hutch never goes back the same way. I'm not sure why but this is how it turned out this time.

Did I ever show you the details on this little hutch?

If you look closely you'll see that this little gem is completely hand made and hand fitted.
That means that each piece was made to specifically fit each other.

Even the nails are hand made little wooden pegs.
There probably is not another one like it any where.

This is the very top of the hutch. As you can see it has some very unusual fittings. Both corners have these odd pieces of wood fitted into them.
You can see some of the old burn marks as well in the top.

Odd grooves above and below the permanent shelves. By the way, I did not paint the inside of this blue. I bought it that way. It may not be original but it is VERY old.

More odd fittings. See the strips of wood?
At one time I thought that this may have been some sort of kitchen cabinet that had been re-designed. But after many years of looking at it.... I now think that it must have been some sort of display piece for a store of some kind. Although there are no labels on it at all. Just some illegible notes on the back.

Here's a closer look at the hand work.

Just look at the patina that wood has! I would never paint this little darling. It only stands a slight 5ft tall but it is VERY heavy! I bought it at a little place in Glendale AZ about 10 years ago. The lady didn't know much about the piece except that it probably came from the Midwest.

Truthfully, that's all I know.
What do you all think? Any ideas?



I'm linking to TableTop Tuesday at Marty's Stroll Thru Life!


35 comments:

Melissa said...

What a darling piece - I haven't a clue but I love the oddities - would totally fit my world. :)

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

No ideas...except it is so cute...and a keeper!!

Melissa/Piney Rose said...

That is the sweetest little hutch, with so much character! I love the background color that really sets off the dishes!

Melissa/Piney Rose said...

By the way, thanks for visiting my blog. You asked about my hatpins - if I ever wear them. I haven't but the bigger ones are also "hair sticks" and sometime I would love to have my hair done in a chignon and stick one through for a little pizazz!

Heirloom treasures said...

Liz whatever its origine,it is the most beautiful piece. I love it so much. I have one too, and no not who made it,but we think it is made from old recycled wood,floorboards and packing cases. I must put it on my blog sometime. Thank you for sharing yours it's lovely. I really like your blue and white onion pattern china too. Have a nice week.xx jeanetteann

Dana Bishop said...

Liz, your hutch is beautiful. I lived 17 years in St. Louis, Missouri before moving to the Pacific Northwest. I loved regional Midwest antiques such as this. I would agree that the hutch probably hails from the middle of our great country. I love the pegs. You have done a lovely job of display. Your blog is beautiful by the way.I am proudly displaying your button on my blog. Thanks for being my newest follower.

Dana
Northwest Texas

Sarah said...

I know it's a darling piece! Sorry I missed Fresh Cut Friday. Will plan to play next month. ~ Sarah

Amy Kinser said...

What a great piece. I love all of the details and the history.

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

I'm so glad I came over to see your hutch - gorgeous! Love all the details, charm and age. You won't believe this, but that is my MIL's everyday dishes!! It's very special to me. Loved this post! Linda

acorn hollow said...

Your hutch is lovely and it looks wonderful with your dishes.
I have no idea either it does look like a bit of english pine but hard to tell.
Cathy

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

It does look like a piece from the Midwest and is VERY charming!

Ricki Treleaven said...

I do not know what it is, but I think it is a stunning piece. I love the finish of the wood. It is a versatile piece, too. You could do lots with it!

Our Christmas is put away, too *finally*....Yay!!!

xoxoxoox,
Ricki Jill

ANNE said...

What a lovely piece of furniture! The workmanship alone is so beautiful. Lucky girl!!!

Cathy L. Calamas said...

Beautiful. thx for sharing the detailed photos. Would love to have it at my home. :))

shannon i olson said...

That is a beautiful piece, wonderful workmanship and nicely displayed.

Barb said...

Love your hutch, Liz. I have a huge Farmhouse hutch in my kitchen that never goes back the same way. :-)

Yours is totally charming.

Barb

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Liz! Your home is just amazing and your photos really are wonderful! (do share what kind of camera/editing you use ...:)

I love the hutch with the china in it. So fresh and farmhouse looking. Now as to the origin of the piece, it reminds me of pine pieces that would have come from Ireland. As for the age, perhaps early, like turn of the century. It is fantastic!!

xxo
Becky

PS: Happy New Year!!

Pamela Gordon said...

What a gorgeous piece of furniture! I love old wood pieces like this with it's character and patina. Have a wonderful week!

Unknown said...

I love the secrets some furniture holds tucked away...If we knew all the secrets we probably would just think it just another piece of furniture....this is not just another piece of furniture..it has character and truly charming..

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

What a beautiful hutch & I love how you decorated it. it has such warmth & charm. You definately found a deal in that beauty.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I "looked" in your kitchen...oh, I love the hominess & warmth of it!! Wish I could visit in person & share a cup of tea with you!!!

highheeledlife said...

Liz, thank you for visiting and you wonderful comment. Your hutch is absolutley gorgeous. It's a wonderful blessing to be able to have just a wonderful handcrafted item (they do not make things like this now.. and when they do it's very expensive - and the quality is not the same as the"old" days).

I'm going to try to join you for fresh cut-Fridays ...there is something wonderful about fresh flowers in the home, we try to have a vase or two throughout the winter months, as our gardens rest. Blessings, HHL

Kathy said...

This is a fantastic hutch!!! Love the details and yes, things just never go back the same way!
Have a great week,
Kathy

Carol said...

I'm so happy you visited my blog & took the time to leave a comment!

Your hutch is charming & your plates are so pretty!

Smiles,
Carol

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

I love your hutch! The blue paint inside is wonderful. You don't see craftsmanship like that much anymore. Your blue and white dishes are very lovely. Thanks for visiting my blog. I am now following you.

Paula@SweetPea said...

The handcrafted details on your piece make it so special. The burn mark on top is especially curious. Makes you wonder what in the world was put there that was hot enough to make a burn mark? Your display is very pretty and I know that it feels good to get your house back to normal after Christmas.

Gina said...

Your hutch is beautiful! They don't make them like that any more. It has alot of charm. I love your dishes!

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

That is a lovely piece and you are right , the patina is just beautiful.I saw one similar once, the pegs all came out and it could be stored flat-I was told by an antigue dealer that it was made that way so it could be moved by wagon across the country. That may or may not be true, but interesting none the less.

Linda said...

Hi Liz, thanks for stopping by.
Our hutch in the kitchen is made similar, it's old and from Quebec.
It's a keeper. Love the blue and white dishes. I am now following you.

Cindy Adkins said...

I adore your hutch! I would love to find one like it. Charming is a very good description!
Hugs, Cindy

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
your hutch is Beautiful with your lovely dishes in it,, I would like to have one like your sweet lady.
Thanks so much for your comments on my new Tablescape. I have your Buton on my sidebar now. Hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family.
XXOO Diane

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Liz, this is a wonderful hutch. When I first saw it I thought it was a New England pine piece. But you say it's Midwest? It is lovely and authentic...a wonderful treasure. Enjoy!

Suzy said...

I'm so glad that you aren't going to paint your gorgeous hutch. I just love the character that all of the quirky pieces add. I would be really neat to find out what it's original purpose was.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Liz, what a wonderful little hutch, and I love it decorated with the blue and white china. laurie

Savannah Granny said...

What a treasure! That old piece is priceless. I love the mismatched wood sections.
I also collect Blue Danube Blue Onion. I just love it. Yours looks so pretty on display. I have mine in a cabinet, pity. You are inspiring.

PS: I am taking your button for my blog. It will be on the left sidebar, in alphabetical order.
Ginger