A faded beauty of unparalled craftsmanship

She was the epitome of grand elegance and superb hand craftsmanship.
 Found at a garage sale underneath piles of items for sale.
A sign said very old sofa for sale.

From 1870's the woman said she was told.  I've owned her for over 20 years always with the intent of having her redone but, it was one thing or another not to mention the cost. 

She is really beautiful if  you can picture her someplace else and redone.  True quality for the finest of homes.

I'll take it. 
(All the while thinking my DB is not going to be happy about this.)

I did toy with the idea of having her redone with non-tufted sides in a navy and white stripe fabric, you know for the nautical flair and estimated it would be about $2,300-$2,500 if I was lucky.  Ouch! The problem was where to keep it in the meantime.

What I really wanted was the wood. Beautifully hand carved wood that had been painted white over the fine gold leafing.  

As we began to remove the once plum colored silk velvet it became apparent this was constructed like a work of art.  I began to feel guilty as the horsehair and enough cotton stuffing to fill two huge trash cans and then some; kept come on coming.  Then the burlap, and more burlap. 

It seemed never ending.

Eight way hand tied springs attached to a metal frame that just wouldn't budge with a crowbar.  Webbing upon webbing gave way to more amazement.  How many hours a day for weeks did it take from carving the frame, arched bracing and putting it all together or who made it we will never know.  All we found was one small marking made in Italy. 

It was as if she had come to life.
Resisting us at every turn to stop.

We had to get rid of all the fabric.  We didn't have a choice.

When we were picking it up it's former owner noticed the underside had become a home for mice.  Thankfully she cut the webbing and we all helped remove the nests that had been made in it before loading into the truck.  Good thing DB and I had on sturdy gloves just in case!

 In the end all that remained were the springs and these.

A few days later I walked outside and looked at some of them.
I thought they would make interesting photos.

As I piled them up.  It was as if she spoke.

I'm still grand. I'm still beautiful...

and she absolutely is.