I have a friend who is trying to authenticate a wooden dining suite, with matching sideboard, dating from approx 1950-1960. The only markings are "Made by GH Starck". It looks like it is made of African stinkwood, but we are not certain. It is made in Chippendale style. The chairs are ladder backed.

Do we have any antiques experts here? I have tried googling both the name and can only come up with French plastic-type stuff and a health care centre in South Africa.

It might also be worthwhile contacting that program on the telly that features antiques and all that sort of thing. They might be able to point you in the right direction if nothing else.

I think that what you're referring to is Pinchbeck Wood. This is very rare wood, and is only found in Pinchbeck Counties of Australia. It is like Keewa wood only found in Hawaii. Pinchbeck Wood is very expensive as it is indeed rare, as such are HOF's in the wood industry. I only know of one cabinet maker in the United States who works with Pinchbeck Wood, but he, like Pinchbeck itself, it is very expensive. I also understand that all Pinchbeck Wood is signed, but do not know if this is true. At the price of Pinchbeck though, it should be. :-)

I have tears of laughter running down my face!

Brilliant! Don't they use Pinchbeck wood to make WoS'?

Are you asking if there is such a wood as African stinkwood? If you are then I can say that my ex has a plate and a box made of it.

Sue, I have not seen the pieces concerned, but my mate is an experienced antiques dealer, and he would know (I hope!)

I just looked up an eBay site here, for a couple of stinkwood trays, and they want US$2,000! The wood is apparently quite rare- just imagine how much a table would be worth..

PS, can you get those pieces back from the ex?

They were his bits, mind you I haven't managed to get back somethings which are very much mine, a 21st birthday gift from my sister and a gift from an ex-fiance of mine!