Then came the sanding—hours of it. Reaching into every crack and curve took persistence, but the payoff was worth it. As the surface smoothed, the wood’s natural character began to emerge. I chose a grain-defining stain that enhanced its depth, producing a warm variation in color across the different types of wood. The mirror topper went through the same process, and in the process I uncovered a stamp reading “Galax Va., 1942”—a small but thrilling confirmation of the piece’s 80-year history.
