Hi, I recently aquired this curio cabinet from my dad who aquired it from his dad who aquired it in the mid 1900's when he was owner of an antique shop. I've been researching as much as possible and have a few questions that I myself can't find the answers to. Here are my questions.
1) Can anyone tell me what type of wood this might be?
2) What is the finish on the piece (when the flash/light catches it you can see the sparkle)
3) On the back of the cornice mount is the initials M? I think the second initial is an S but unsure - would this be indicitive of the maker of the piece or just the maker of the cornice?
4) There is the number 1305 inscribed on the back (is this production model)
5) On the door frame and the cabinet itself there is an etched "V" again not sure if this signals the cabinet maker or perhaps the original owner of the piece.
6) I believe the piece is from the late 19th century or early 20th century does this seem right?
7) There are two leg mounts that are not attached at this time (they are both marked P.E. Guerin NY 44) I'm curious if the the other mounts on the piece are from this company but don't want to remove them - do they look similiar?
Any info anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated. If I need to be searching on another site let me know that as well. I'm just at a loss to aquire any indepth information.
Front of piece











