Description
This tea cart has two shelves, which are attached, and no removable trays.
It has 2 large wood spoke wheels with a rubber strip and 2 smaller casters.
The two leaves are semi circles with a bit of scroll pattern cut out along the edges. The leaves stay in place by pushing a wood support bar under them. The top and the leaves appear to be different colors (maybe because the leaves weren't used as much?).
The handle does not stay up.
There is no drawer.
The very bottom is marked with a red 546 but I can find no other markings.
I'd like to know if this is an antique or a reproduction. Mostly so I can decide if I should paint it and keep it for myself, or leave it alone and sell it.
Thanks for your help!
Re: Wood Tea Cart
What you have is a Tea Wagon made by Imperial Furniture Co. from Michigan made circa 1927-1940. Should be all mahogany with a disclaimer ( exotic woods being imported to the USA had to carry this disclaimer). If there ever was a drawer, it would have the Imperial crown symbol and a registry number. This one seems to be incomplete and not in the best of shape. You are missing the dessert tray which was glass with a matching wood frame and the drawer for the utensils and napkins.
Overall, great find at Goodwill! Since you don't have all the pieces or any history accompanying this piece, paint on and make it yours!
Re: Wood Tea Cart
Thank you very much, BOOpster!