What is the baize fabric inside for?

This coarse woollen cloth protected silver flatware from scratching against the wooden drawer base. It also helped absorb atmospheric moisture, reducing the rate at which the silver tarnished between meals.

Can I remove the high backboard?

Most Victorian mirrored backs unscrew from the main carcase. They were often built in two sections for transport. Keep the screws and backboard safely stored together. Taking the back off alters the proportions.

I have noticed that the drawer handles on mine don't quite match the wood colour of the rest of the piece, is this normal?

Cabinet-makers frequently used brass drop handles or wooden knobs turned from a contrasting timber. Ebonised handles on an oak carcase were a popular combination. Wooden knobs also darken differently to flat surfaces over time. Hands transfer oils to the handles with every pull, altering the colour and creating a deeper patina. Sometimes handles were replaced during the Edwardian period to update a tired look. A close look at the drawer interior will show filled holes if the hardware was changed.

The doors on the bottom seem to drop a bit when I open them and rub against the base frame, how do I fix that?

Brass hinges wear out after generations of supporting heavy solid wood doors. The pins inside the hinge barrel slowly grind away, causing the whole door to drop slightly. Packing the hinge out with thin cardboard slips sometimes helps realign the door. If the wear is advanced, a furniture restorer can replace the internal pins while keeping the original brass leaves intact.

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Antique Buffets

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Antique buffets are substantial dining room case pieces designed with a flat display surface and storage below. Evolving from simple serving tables, they held plates, cutlery, and linens while offering a stage for serving food during formal meals.