Merklen & Ransom - some reference pics

All apologies if someone has posted this link elsewhere.  I lose track of what has already been "found" on the net by members of this forum.  Regardless, the link below has a small number of pictures of Merlken & Ransom pieces for reference.

http://user.chollian.net/~ucnet2006/English%20Version/ENGLISH-Design%20Update-Spiral%20Woodwork.htm

Thank you,

Jason

On an unrelated yet mildly amusing note, you might be fascinated to see some of the trees that allowed Merklen & Ransom to make their furniture without any tools other than a common saw. 

http://www.bonfantegardens.com/circus.html

...sorry, I couldn't resist. 

- Jason

I would highly recommend Erlandson's book on How to Grow a Chair and his son in law's book The Art of Tree Trunk Topiary.  His daughter also published a little pamphlet called My Father Talked to Trees.  All very interesting.

Last year there was a Ransom mirror on eBay whose description included a remark about the wooden spirals that came from a tree that is now extinct.  The seller told me that an antique dealer told her about a tree that used to grow branches like this which was no longer around and that is why the chairs were so expensive.  Unbelievable!

Wow those are some fantastic peices.

These photos are sooo helpful ! I am refinishing a Merken table...lots of work!! vonny