GRUMBACHER #286 French Easel Vintage, RESTORED, Made in France, Beautiful

Description

Grumbacher Model 286, French Box Plein Air Easel
ALL NATURAL RESTORATION
This easel is in amazing vintage condition,
restored naturally
using no petroleum products or harmful chemicals, only natural 100% Tung oil and care.  Here is the restoration process I followed:
MULTIPLE TIMES CLEANED
:  Cleaned and carefully scrubbed the entire easel with olive oil, hint of soap, baking soda, and a splash of vinegar.  The vinegar removed a lot of old wood smell and the baking soda neutralized the acid.  The olive began feeding the wood with nutrients.
HAND SANDED
areas where the wood was a bit rough to prepare for the finish
WIRE WOOLED and USED POLISHING COMPOUND
on the tin liners.  There is still a dark patina on some area of the tin liners which cannot be removed and may be from paint or oxidation.  But the liners have no rust and are very clean.
NATURAL 100% TUNG OILED
every wooden part including inside and back of each leg, every nook and crevice.  Waited 24-48 hours for it to form a hard protectant, applied next coat.  Did this multiple times.  Really saturated the wood and it was very thirsty.
DESIGNED AND MADE NEW LEATHER HANDLE:  I am a leather craftsman with many years of experience.  I used imported Sedgwick bridle leather for the inside strap of the handle, hand-sewed the leather, and secured all with solid brass Chicago screws.  Then covered all with a supple Wickett and Craig English Bridle leather to cover the handle.  It is so soft and easy to hold you just want to carry it. It is a great improvement over the original.
DESIGNED AND MADE NEW LEATHER SHOULDER STRAP:  I used the finest Hermann Oak veggie tan leather, hand dyed dark golden brown, Vernis french-edged the entire strap for beauty and durability.  I made it adjustable in length, used a solid brass buckle, Japanese solid brass trigger snaps, all hand-sewn in for strength and beauty.  This is a great improvement over the original strap and should last for the life of the easel and be able to handle just about any weight, tubes of paint, brushed, etc.
This easel is a fine piece of French workmanship and all the parts are there and the legs and easel top lock well into place.  No apparent cracks or damage.
***Comes w
ith palette and strap.
***
The price is firm
.  I am making very little on this gorgeous easel.  It should last your lifetime and be able to be passed down to your children.
SEE MY RATING- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE.