A Piece of Victoriana

A few weeks ago, I shared with you my Victorian fern stand that I found at the flea market in Mobile.  The seller actually had two of the fern stands and I’m still kicking myself for not buying both of them!  He had traveled to the flea market from Mississippi and told me he had bought the stands from an estate sale in an old Victorian home there.

The stand had lots of issues…the legs were badly tarnished and the cast iron top and middle section was covered in rust.  One of the legs was a little bent, so it leaned to one side instead of standing straight.  My husband suggested forgetting about trying to restore it and simply paint the stand.  Oh, the horror!  What was he thinking???  Personally, I think he was having a senior moment about that time!

The marble was in pretty rough shape also.

Cleaning this baby was A LOT of work!  It involved multiple cleanings and sandings to remove all the rust from the cast iron. 

The brass was so badly tarnished in places and none of the several brass cleaners I tried would remove all of the tarnish.  Finally an antiques dealer suggested I use Bar Keepers Friend.  I’m not affiliated with this company in any way, but if you’ve never tried it, I recommend buying some of it.  This stuff works miracles!  (See how one of the legs was bent??)

So, here it is in all its restored glory.  All the rust is gone and the brass has a beautiful glow now.  The iron pieces were probably originally painted to match the brass legs, but I’m really liking the way it looks now. 

I placed it in my living room and I’ve been having so much fun playing around with different items sitting on it.  I started out with this…

and then this…

…and ended up with this for now.  I love it!  My husband was even impressed and said maybe he was wrong about painting it.  In the back of my mind a little voice is saying, “ya think so???”   

I haven’t decided what will go on the bottom yet…still playing around with that.  I’m linking up with these parties…

Marty at a Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday

Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday (my first time joining this party!)

Bee at Beez Rental Designs for her very first Frugal Treasures Tuesday

Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday

Doni at Faith, Grace, Crafts for Pearls and Lace Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

Alison at Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfolded

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home

Redoux Friday Link Up Party #45

Thanks for dropping by and visiting with me today!  I hope to see you again soon!

Dreamgoddess