Incredible Transformation: Reviving 140-Year-Old Mantle and Unveiling Historic Treasures!

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Incredible Transformation: Reviving 140-Year-Old Mantle and Unveiling Historic Treasures!

Рет қаралды 27,379

Күн бұрын

Step into the past with me as I embark on an incredible journey to rejuvenate the heart of my 140-year-old home-the cherished mantle. In this transformative video, witness the magic unfold as I deep clean and breathe new life into this timeless centerpiece, restoring its original beauty.
As the layers of time and memories are peeled away, I unveil not just a mantle but a piece of history, adorned with intricate details and stories waiting to be told. Join me in this mesmerizing exploration of the past as I share the process of reviving a focal point that has witnessed the passage of generations.
But the transformation doesn't end there! Get ready to be captivated by the historic treasures that come to light during this deep cleaning escapade. From forgotten artifacts to pieces that whisper tales of yesteryears, each discovery adds a layer of enchantment to the overall revival.
Subscribe, like, and join me on this extraordinary adventure as we breathe new life into the mantle and uncover the hidden history within the walls of the Old Byrd Farm House. 🏡✨ #HomeRestoration #HistoricTreasures #OldByrdFarmRevival

Пікірлер: 415

@THEOLDBYRDFARMVLOG 7 ай бұрын

It looks so much better now! Old Byrd Farm eBay: www.ebay.com/usr/oldbyrdfarm My other channel: youtube.com/@AdventuresIntoHistory Channel and Farm Tip Jar: www.paypal.com/paypalme/rwrightphotography Merch: adventuresintohistory.myspreadshop.com/all Prints from the Old Byrd Farm: starlingmallard.smugmug.com/Walter-Mallard-Photography/TheByrdFarm/ Join The Official Fan Group: facebook.com/groups/561758371276581/?ref=share_group_link MAIL: Sidestep Adventures PO Box 206 Waverly Hall, Georgia 31831

@yvetteh6184 7 ай бұрын

That was an awesome transformation. Beautiful and much better less cluttered. Let it shine. Thank you Robert.

@annabrahamson4320 6 ай бұрын

Button hook

@dixie3086 7 ай бұрын

You just made a lot of women happy Robert. Been wanting to clean that mantle from the first time I saw it. And I'm sure I'm not the only one!! Just makes it seem not so abandoned.

@pamelamcfadden337 7 ай бұрын

No you aren't 😂

@sunkissed5889 7 ай бұрын

It’s the old finish it degrades after many years ! It’s just beautiful the way it is !

@beccaL9 7 ай бұрын

Guess....buttonhook. That mantle cleaned up warmed up the room . It also showcases your collection better! A little cleaning and such a change!❤❤❤❤

@THEOLDBYRDFARMVLOG 7 ай бұрын

Button hook for shoes!

@justanotheralmaroad1923 7 ай бұрын

That's what I thought too. Button hook for shoes

@beccaL9 7 ай бұрын

@THEOLDBYRDFARMVLOG YaY! I got it! I love my old stuff and genealogy and wish I had lived back in the day of horse and buggy! Well, maybe not today as we are freakin' freezin' here too!

@robertburns3014 7 ай бұрын

I think it is a button hook also.

@Nancy-kw8xz 7 ай бұрын

Hello Robert yes what a difference it makes after you clean the mantle really makes the room I thought that was a bottle hook also when it's time to clean it again I don't know if you ever heard of Murphy's Oil soap till next time take care stay safe love from upstate New York❤😊

@donnac8944 7 ай бұрын

Maybe it's just me, but does anyone else see a resemblance between Archie in the small photo and Robert? 😊

@charlotteh71 7 ай бұрын

Yep!!

@tammyvaladez9957 7 ай бұрын

I was think the same thing...looks alot like Robert 😂

@nancycarlson6183 7 ай бұрын

That was my first reaction when Robert showed the closeup of the tin-type! What do you think, Robert?

@badimiagirl1 7 ай бұрын

Definitely a resemblance

@user-xf3bl7pv4t 5 ай бұрын

I noticed that right off the bat could be twins if the hair was fixed and mush tash was the same. my word.

@IrishAuntie 7 ай бұрын

Love seeing the restoration of the Old Byrd House. I’ve followed you from the beginning, Robert , and I think it’s great that you’re doing this. Also love all the history of it too. ❤

@suzanne529 7 ай бұрын

That mantle was thirsty, a good furniture oil or murphy's soap every so often will keep it looking nice. I think the bubbling/rough area is just the old finish. I'd keep it that way for the "aged" look. Beautiful. Yes just cleaning can make a world of difference!

@sheilahosey6085 7 ай бұрын

So glad some of the prior owners did not paint the beautiful woodwork with white paint! Sadly, that is done so many times in these older homes. You're doing an awesome job!❤

@sgath92 7 ай бұрын

Depending on the era paint was actually original, as it was more expensive.

@tinacasarotto1264 7 ай бұрын

That was done to my 1930 bungalow. They even painted over some of the brass doorknob plates. 😢

@1959snoopy 7 ай бұрын

Years ago I bought a similar oak mantle like this from a house that was being torn down. It had been painted white many times. I stripped and refinished it and it's beautiful. Although I don't like when wood's been painted over, I think the layers of paint protected the wood from the elements on mine.

@CharityS-Minnesota 7 ай бұрын

That would be a button hook😊 Believe it or not one of my grandmothers had one and was still using it. The mantle looks amazing Robert! I was going to come down and visit ya and sign the guestbook. On my way to see my folks in Florida this winter after Christmas. But my daddy passed away Christmas Eve night outside of my brothers house in Florida. We just finished having his funeral last week here in Minnesota. So I won’t be coming down yet this winter. Going to give my mom some time to grieve on her own and wait for her to ask for me to come down. But one day I will get to the farm! Just know that watching your videos has helped me through this time! Much needed distraction and brain break. I haven’t been commenting while watching this last almost month. But I definitely have been watching both channels.

@vickiebrannon5217 7 ай бұрын

🙏 from Middle Tennessee

@CharityS-Minnesota 7 ай бұрын

@@vickiebrannon5217 ♥️thank you Vickie

@eighmeeloo 7 ай бұрын

My condolences on your loss.

@CharityS-Minnesota 7 ай бұрын

@@eighmeeloo ♥️thank you

@bendamichael8894 7 ай бұрын

Sorry for your loss.

@2manyroberts 7 ай бұрын

Whatever you do, DON'T strip the original finish off of the wood! The Patina is part of the history and charm!!! You can touch it up without destroying the deep tones in the wood which is a natural process wood darkens with AGE!!!

@jadamills4082 7 ай бұрын

Uranium is what alot of old glass was made of. Always take a black light with you to the antique store.

@kengoss6878 5 ай бұрын

On the mantle is an old poster for GA Gov. Eugene Talmadge. His son Herman ( later also two term GA Governor) was my father's college roommate at UGA when Eugene was in office, Herman was later the Junior Senator under Senator Richard B. Russell ( my cousin0, and succeeded Dick Russell as Senior after Dick died. I have enjoyed many times talking to Herman telling me the old stories of Eugene and Herman and the old political stories in the old Georgia south. ( There were a lot of "favors called-in", whiskey and cigars involved !)

@mainetreelineruguess97 7 ай бұрын

I have an antique oak dining table that needed to be cleaned. I was told to use Murphy's Oil Soap was safest. It worked wonders on the table and the matching chairs. The 'rough' texture around the mirror could be overspray from glass cleaner. Back in the day, vinegar was used for cleaning windows and mirrors, and that can damage older varnishes. That is a great improvement just getting the mantelpiece sorted out. LOVE the OBF house tours,

@GoogleSpyZon 7 ай бұрын

Could also be old wax that's oxidized.

@briantayler1230 7 ай бұрын

G'day mate, the old finnishing material is shellac. It came in flakes and I remember my father disolving the flakes in alcohol to coat his bamboo fishing rods. Never use a cleaner like glass cleaner that has alcohol in it. You were always told not to put drink glasses on french polished furniture because the small amounty of alcohol would leave ring marks on the shellac. The current finnish is normal for old shellac. Believe it or not, shellac is made from beetles.

@tracyscott2550 Ай бұрын

Yes alcohol would ruin shellac finish. Shellac made from lack beetle poo

@Lorriann63 7 ай бұрын

You did an awesome job, Robert. That mantle piece is truly beautiful. I love real wood and the beautiful old beveled mirrors. It looks wonderful now. That object you showed us is an old fashioned button up shoe hook.

@donnal.oglesby4806 7 ай бұрын

The Mantle looks great all cleaned up, and Love the ole clock that Sondra sent you, so pretty. did a great job, Robert.

@pazf4384 7 ай бұрын

You are just a person like me, I like to see items from the distant past, it used to be significant for someone and not many people understand the history in the small items...

@marcbrunson6986 7 ай бұрын

That polish really did the trick for the mantle. It's purty now.

@dixievixen6045 7 ай бұрын

Button hook. The blue glow in the tonic....quinine.

@sgath92 7 ай бұрын

The rough surface is common with shellac as it ages, some people prefer the aged look & feel of it, but it can be reflowed into a clear, smooth, shiny finish once more by using an alcohol french polish technique (shellac dissolves in alcohol). Try calling the "77 lubricite" company for product suggestions.

@tracyscott2550 Ай бұрын

I apprenticed under a french polisher. Its a long tedious process but nothing looks as good. We would take q tips and denatured alcohol and strip ornate wood pieces that way. Also wet/dry sandpaper and alcohol and strip finish off. This saves the patina and you don’t have to fill the grain again but mainly saves years of patina

@randykovack4518 7 ай бұрын

BUTTONING UP CORSETS THE KEY LOOKING ITEM

@elspet3813 7 ай бұрын

Dad loved family antiques and heirlooms. Mum always said she used just Lemon Oil to dust, clean and 'feed' the old wood & its finish. No wax build-up at all & it often buffed out minor scratches and such ❤❤❤

@ppurgett 7 ай бұрын

Lemon pledge was in the air in my house lol

@spayneutersaveslives9687 2 ай бұрын

Mantle looks beautiful.

@SondraD7676 7 ай бұрын

Amazing transformation!! Such a change! You are so right about the impact of it in the room, warmer comforting, present. You are breathing new life into the place daily - without you uncovering the past and putting your heart into it, it was just a house. It is becoming a home and even with all that has yet to be done. It speaks volumes. A haven of history and heart. Enjoyed this so much, Robert. ❣❣❣👍👍 BTW That is definitely Archie Byrd. Button shoe hook?

@mdeysenroth 7 ай бұрын

I am making this guess before looking at any other comments. I think it might be a button hook for shoes. The mantel looks great. Just cleaning it and adding some moisture back into the wood has done wonders. Now I'm going to look at other comments/guesses, lol.

@lynnmacleod1879 7 ай бұрын

Mantle transformation is amazing Robert!

@alanmoberly64 7 ай бұрын

It’s a shellac finish. It does that over time. I am guessing it is the original finish. Next time you go to an antique store you will see the finish on a lot of the furniture has done that. A possibility it has had a coat of shellac put over the original but I do not think it has had a total refinish. Find an inconspicuous spot and use rubbing alcohol on a rag and lightly rub. Shellac will soften.

@sharonleeming869 7 ай бұрын

So beautiful, happy you left the pics of Our Jesus up

@tayloralexander7597 7 ай бұрын

Sharon here... boot/shoe fastener. My guess. The mantle looks amazing and your arrangement of artifacts is perfect, less is better. 👍🙂❤

@HarperFan01 7 ай бұрын

Also, love the wood of the mantle, beautiful Robert!

@THEOLDBYRDFARMVLOG 7 ай бұрын

Me too!

@susanbellefeuille 7 ай бұрын

Wow, the fireplace sure did transform, good work Robert!

@karenwright8556 7 ай бұрын

The mantle cleaned up nicely. I think it's very nice the mirror is still intact. Despite all the clutter and misuse of the old place you still have original features that can all shine one day. ✨💞Love from KY

@kristyhaynes1130 7 ай бұрын

Working so hard Robert be proud of yourself

@kimk8365 7 ай бұрын

Button hook for a boot, loving this history and channel.

@carrieann1640 7 ай бұрын

Button hook? The mantel looks wonderful. You are surrounded history.

@carmabirch8451 7 ай бұрын

Whoo Hoo! Mighty fine job! Looking forward to the doors and jams getting a scrubbing of their life!

@dianadelahaye7660 7 ай бұрын

The mirror is in good contition. Mantle looks beautiful😊

@pattimessenger6214 7 ай бұрын

I love that antique furniture piece that you display your best antique finds! And, I love that beautiful silver Art Noveau hair brush!

@misskitty2133 6 ай бұрын

I thought it was a boot brush? Kinda big for a lady’s brush.

@gellrb56 7 ай бұрын

The item in question is a button hook. It is used to help pull buttons through the hole to button spats, for example.

@brendahogue5487 7 ай бұрын

Love your videos and enjoy watching them. May the lord bless and protect you Robert and working on the homestead

@spunkygmahappy4778 7 ай бұрын

A lot of preservationist would take out that plaster covering the inside of the fireplace, it's amazing what they find.

@cmg6848 7 ай бұрын

Was any of the previous owners pipe smokers? I have seen wear on mantles like that when they used to clean out their pipes and tap the pipes on the edge and use the shelf to put the tobacco pouch on and refill the pipe.

@andrewowens9382 7 ай бұрын

Definitely done a good job there Robert 👏 👍 👌 yes it's a well designed fire place 🔥 mantle ,you beginning to have a good collection of items there I think the hook is for fastening buttons???? Shoes 👞 ect ?all the best Andrew south wales uk 👌 👍 👏 😀 🇬🇧

@eleanorlaurent2303 7 ай бұрын

That was a very satisfying job 🩷

@sandyrector3853 7 ай бұрын

It's a button hook...the fireplace mantle turned out great!

@tangie777uk 7 ай бұрын

Absolutey beautiful Robert

@gellrb56 7 ай бұрын

You can clean and even out old wood finishes without damaging them by rubbing with OOOO steel wool and mineral spirits. You can buy it in hardware stores. The differences in the finish is aging of the protective coating put onto the wood such as shellac, varnish or tung oil and by years of polishing with different products. Murphy’s oils soap is a good cleaner and helps to keep the wood from drying out when cleaning. Feed the wood to help with dryness. There are many products you can use. Be careful when cleaning the mirror or around the mirror. I would spray the cleaning rag, not the mirror. If caustic cleaners drip behind the mirror it can damage the silvering coating on the back.

@WilliamRodgers6969 7 ай бұрын

Good Job Robert! It is 16 degrees up here in Pennsylvania right now. I had 9 degrees this morning. Sharing the freezing cold with you!

@alanatolstad4824 7 ай бұрын

I agree, gorgeous. I love the sound of the ticking clock.---(I'd love a shot of what you wear to access those temperatures outdoors!)---(A button hook.)

@bonniebutton4089 7 ай бұрын

Button hook for shoes. Mantle looks great, nice and clean.

@JR-wc8zo 7 ай бұрын

Looks great Robert! It would also be so satisfying to watch those doors and trim being cleaned of the grime. Just keep plugging along. You are doing a good job!

@kengoss6878 5 ай бұрын

The rough spots on the wood is probably some of the old varnish that crystalized. This needs a light sanding - with the grain, with very fine steel wool and HOWARD's Restor-A-Finish. Please use in a well ventilated place. It is not a stripper, but an excellent finish restorer. Since the application of drywall over the plastered lathe walls, the door facings and base boards have loss half or more of their "reveal". Carefully pry off the trim and insert a piece of wood the thickness of the drywall and replace the moldings to re-establish the original look.

@vivianking8143 7 ай бұрын

Love all the history. You may not have other spaces or room for all the other historical items on the mantel, but some of them take away from its beauty and true use. Never the less, much enjoyed and appreciated. In Joy

@mercedithcompala8148 7 ай бұрын

This an absolutely wonderful place ❤

@marvinjohnson424 7 ай бұрын

WOW who would have thunk 😳🇺🇸

@suzietexus8620 7 ай бұрын

That is an amazing transformation. Like another commenter I was just waiting to see it cleaned up. That damage on the edge might have been a youngster playing with his new pocket knife. Probably got him in a lot of trouble. That picture of Archie sure does resemble you. Interesting.

@gaylewilliamson9183 7 ай бұрын

What a beauty.You did a good job Robert 👍❤️

@gaylewilliamson9183 7 ай бұрын

Now clean the clock ,I bet it will look good too.❤

@lezleyspikes7670 7 ай бұрын

Stay warm Robert

@lottiedahlin6474 7 ай бұрын

If the finish on the mantle piece is shellac, wipe it with denatured alcohol and the uneven surface will smooth out.

@katenickels617 7 ай бұрын

I like restor a finish - better than a total refinish and allows the patina to remain - but it looks great now

@sherrilee230 7 ай бұрын

Button hook for shoes. And over the years dampness from the house setting with out heat causes the wood finish to blister up. Have you tried old English oil polish. It covers up mar and scratches and a deep penetration oil for wood. Been used for around 100 years. Used it on my piano and Duncan table

@misskitty2133 6 ай бұрын

Old English is great! Comes in the dark color for adding a bit of stain and then just regular lemon oil polish. Great stuff!

@rnspowell 7 ай бұрын

That finish looks like shellac.

@thelindazoo 19 күн бұрын

Goodness! That old photo surely resembles you Robert! You oughta do a posed redo of the photo!

@Arkay66 7 ай бұрын

That's likely a shellac finish and it bubbled up due to being in an unconditioned space for so long. You can freshen that shellac without messing with the aged patina. Even with the finish all bubbly, that is a beautiful mantle. Nice buttonhook...

@tracyscott2550 Ай бұрын

Crazed finish is desirable. Yes sun probably caused the shellac to craze

@kristyhaynes1130 7 ай бұрын

Looking good Robert 👏

@pennynewbury6410 7 ай бұрын

You never give up!!

@reneebrazeal788 7 ай бұрын

Beautiful !

@patbarlen2764 7 ай бұрын

Button hook. Beautiful yes and amen

@frankscarborough1428 7 ай бұрын

It's really looking good. Enjoyed

@JanTrewhitt 7 ай бұрын

Great job Robert! Looks so much better. That piece is a button hook used on button-up shoes. Blessings.

@tootz1950 7 ай бұрын

Cool. It really pops now.

@ninamaurice4328 7 ай бұрын

Now you need to wash and clean all the bottles etc lol

@THEOLDBYRDFARMVLOG 7 ай бұрын

I’ll get it 😂

@ninamaurice4328 7 ай бұрын

@@THEOLDBYRDFARMVLOG It’s looking so nice with each thing you do.

@katenickels617 7 ай бұрын

love the mantel

@hrhdianednum7203 7 ай бұрын

The mantle looks good. I don’t know what you used but in the Midwest I would use old orange wood cleaner because it not only cleans it but it protects the wood with the oil from everyday use. I would use it once a week and it will also clean up the dried rough spots and it will either eventually come off or it will have to be stripped off, and revarnished. I would guess that it is a type of key used to wind up something and hung on it as a weight just a guess. I’ve seen similar objects and the simplest guess is usually what it turns out to be but it’s just a guess you never know these days about anything. Good Luck with your renovation project well worth the effort!

@artillerest43rdva7 7 ай бұрын

old schlock { beetles ground up in solvent} coatings “craze “ over time between sunlight, heat and drying out. along with dirt and skin oil from hands touching. you see that on older furniture. you can sometimes use solvent to liquefy the finish and have it be smooth once again. the item you were holding is a button hook, mainly used for shoe buttons , sometimes used in dressing ladies.

@karenheineman3284 7 ай бұрын

That’s a button hook for high-top shoes. I own one that was provided with a 1970’s pair of shoes, and I still have it. It came in handy in the late ‘80’s when I wore French wrapped finger nails and had to button the front of my blouses.

@andybaker5466 7 ай бұрын

Red oak is abundant here in the south it looks like red oak to me! Beautiful wood good job it looks great!

@franceswynne1165 6 ай бұрын

absolutley loved it lookes amazing great channel ❤

@cheryllakin6736 7 ай бұрын

old Varnish gets that ruff texture, either mineral oil or denatured alcohol can be used to even out the finish.

@terryflora9268 7 ай бұрын

I had a old bed once that when we was moving I had left it outside leaning on the porch in the sun which caused the shellac on it to bubble up just like your mantle so maybe the heat from stove or gas logs caused that

@user-gz2qh1ie8d 7 ай бұрын

It looks great!!

@janeimel7488 7 ай бұрын

The hook is a button lacer for the old button up shoes worn in the past.

@nadinecartwright1979 7 ай бұрын

Love this. There are apps that let you snap a pic and "fix" all the damage on those old photos. It's free until you want to remove the watermark. We did it with old pics that had been damaged by the sun. It would be awesome to get restored versions of those scratched photos... Re: mantle You would need to strip off all the finish in order to get rid of that rough varnish. its probably a previous bad restore. some kind of incompatible product was used.

@oldtimerlee8820 7 ай бұрын

No! Don't strip the finish. It's veneer (extremely thin layer of high quality wood over thicker common grades of wood.) Stripping can destroy it at worst. Almost as bad is to destroy the patina. That can only be satisfactory acquired through the passage of time. Use wood strippers for 1960's box store non-collectable wooden furniture. Keep it far away from 100 year old pieces.

@shelliewerner5624 7 ай бұрын

Looks great !!!

@greyferguson9319 7 ай бұрын

Great job, the mantle & your accessories look amazing there. The mirror reflects your determination & hard work.

@bethjohnson8234 7 ай бұрын

Looking good…hello Blue

@sheilam4964 7 ай бұрын

With the state of the doors in the room my thought is the whole fireplace surround is/was probably in the same condition but you can't tell because of the colour. Thx for doing this, filming it and sharing it with us. 👍👍👍👍👍

@nadineveitch5837 7 ай бұрын

That mantle came up great, so satisfying! I would never have guessed what that hook was for, they made things so well back then, none of this plastic rubbish. Hope it gets a bit warmer, hell I would barely be functioning in that cold!

@dodrie 7 ай бұрын

Liquid gold . Use on test area to see if it looks Good.

@clarkbar8509 7 ай бұрын

Yes.... show hook!

@jamielieberg7053 7 ай бұрын

Great video keep up the great work

@ediefolta9494 7 ай бұрын

Beautiful job! The bubbly area might be a coat of varnish that was applied at some.point and then dried and flaked.

@l.l.2463 2 ай бұрын

I'm coming late to the party, but that's a nice little button-hook you have there. I have one somewhere that belonged to someone's Great Aunt.

@diwi1942 7 ай бұрын

I can't wait until you clean the doors and moldings and bring them back to the early days. The mantle looks good. What did people keep on mantles other than clocks and candles?

@conniepritchardreinhardt9978 2 ай бұрын

Great job

@michaelballlenger7614 25 күн бұрын

What has happened to the old finish is call crazing. The old finish breaks down and drys out causing it the cloud up, darken and separate. This gives it the ruff feeling.

@HarperFan01 7 ай бұрын

Get you an electric fireplace insert to put in front of the mantle and cover the plaster in the fireplace with self adhesive tiles/bricks to truly bring it back to look like an old fashioned fireplace.