keep in mind, Italians in Abruzzo do not want old furniture or used anything. It is a status symbol to have new things, so you might want to get an expert (out of towner) check out the chest for you. Also I think it is really lovely that you wanted to return anything to the previous owners. Tells that you have a strong positive character. I moved to Italy 4 years ago, and like you two, I purchased an old house in a small village. I absolutely love living in a small place because so many people are kind and helpful. Best of luck with your preservation. I would not change a thing I did by buying an old home.. I feel like it is really mine, and I belong here. Not sure where your village is, I am in the region of PE and live in Tocco da Casauria. Maybe some time we will all meet up somewhere for a coffee, wine or meal. Grazie

@cerchiamo

8 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you so much. We purchase in Roccaspinalveti in the province of Chieti. We love how well we have been accepted in this small town of bout 1200. We have never gotten the feeling of anybody pursuing a status symbol luckily enough. We are fortunate to have a specialist and their partner nearby who have restored similar chests. In fact we had to opportunity to see a restoration in progress. Unfortunately, the wood on this one is for gone... almost like a dried out sponge. We will explore the idea of salvaging some of the hardware are cutting out a section the at can be persevered and keep as decoration. We have also had a discussion about closing the doorway between the basement and cantina. A new modern door would be nice and pricey. Our builder has a better solution. He will custom fit a recycled door that is from the area to keep the look and feel authentic. We have been so lucky.

What a neat old chest! Really wish it could be restored!! Also, glad to hear that the pipistrelli have found new places better suited to them than your cantina. Glad the family were able to get some important paperwork back, too…nice!

@cerchiamo

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much. Unfortunately the wood was too far gone for restoration. It was special to see a piece of local history and meet the people that contributed to it.

That chest looks like it is made of nice wood. You could probably make a tabletop or perhaps a headboard out of the larger pieces. Or have a carpenter make replacement pieces for the missing feet.

@cerchiamo

8 ай бұрын

Thank you! We were looking into that but unfortunately the wood is quite fragile. We may try to salvage some decorative parts.

Interesting, I would wash all the material items and use them as rags if they are not in good condition and just use them for different cleanups and wiping down things and toss them out as you use them that’s what I do with my old rags, one day tear down and there’s not much you could do with them I use them for cleanups!!

@cerchiamo

8 ай бұрын

That's a great idea! Thank you for the advice!

1 pitale, 1 pappagallo per pisciare e 1 padella per cacare hai fatto un bel tris

@cerchiamo

10 күн бұрын

True

Those two things you found are male urinal and bedpan.

@cerchiamo

8 ай бұрын

Thanks. That’s what we thought. It was a fun exploration though. We were happy to be able to return the things that mattered.