Walnut and leather coffee and end tables

From: Diana
Date: 26 May 1999
Time: 15:46:28
Remote Name: 207.228.108.26

Comments

I recently purchased a coffee table and matching end tables made by Deilcraft Fine Furniture, a division of Dominion Electrohome Industries. I believe that this furniture was made somewhere around the mid to late 1930's. The pieces are quite ornate, in that the tops of the tables curve under at the ends, with embossed leather running the length of the tops and wrapping underneath. The wood used to make the tables is walnut and has been carved front and back, with rosettes at the ends and a rosette/leaf pattern in the middle. This has been done on all three pieces. Both end tables are approx. 27 inches high and have open shelves halfway down the legs. The legs themselves are carved top and bottom. They also curve outwards. There is no shelf on the coffee table. The leather on these tables is somewhat damaged, having cuts and a couple burn holes. Will I damage the value (if there is any) of this furniture by having it refinished? What do you recommend for repairing the leather and how do I go about researching the history of these pieces without hiring a very expensive appraiser. (P.S. this is a Canadian company). Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!