Vintage Dollhouse Miniature Kits

If you read my previous content titled Miniature Kits of Exceptional Quality Are Available in Antique Shops you will remember that I had saved several kits for years to finish at a later date. Well I am glad to report that I did finish both of the Shenandoah Designs, Inc. kits. I finished both the Boston rocker kit and the tiered server kit.

I had put off assembling the kits for several reasons. One was because as a military spouse our household was constantly being packed up and moved from place to place. Many items were subjected to loss, being misplaced, or even being damaged. I did not want to complete these delicate and precious miniatures to then have them subjected to being lost or damaged. Another reason was that I did not have a project in mind that I would be using these particular miniature items in since they were received as door prizes. The last reason was that the kits looked and sounded a bit too detailed. I was anxious that the kits may be a bit beyond my skill level.

I am happy to report that the kits are wonderful. The kits were complete. The instructions were clear and the pieces fit together very easily. The wood was a good quality that allow for easy staining and finishing. I am delighted with the finished products. I used Miniwax wood finish, red mahogany #225 to stain the wood and then applied several coats of Minwax, fast-drying, polyurethane, clear semi-gloss finish.

These kits are no longer being produced. I have however seen them in several antique shops across the U.S. and would eagerly purchase a kit when I come across one again. Even if I did not need the item at the time it may become useful at a later time or be a great gift for a friend.

Boston Rocker, New England - circa: 1830, Shenandoah Designs, Inc., kit No. 3109 The Colonial Collection

The Shenandoah Designs, Inc. Boston Rocker kit No. 3109, New England circa: 1830 is from The Colonial Collection. The box states that The Colonial Collection consists of 1/12 scale wood kits of some of the best examples of the works of the early Colonial cabinet makers. These country craftsmen developed a style of furniture that is still popular today .This kit was in a box that was not wrapped or sealed when I received it, all of the parts and instructions are inside, however the box is a bit aged. This kit was designed by John R. Adams whose printed signature is on the front of the box. I discovered that John R. Adams had been a former electronics sales manager for Lockheed Corporation and began the Shenandoah Designs, Inc., as reported in the August 26, 1984 Anchorage Daily News, to specialize in reproducing mini Chippendale, Pennsylvania Dutch and Shaker furniture.

Tiered Server, circa: 1760 - 80, Shenandoah Designs, Inc., kit No. 3003, The Chippendale Collection

The Shenandoah Designs, Inc. Tiered Server kit No. 3003 Circa: 1760 - 80 is from The Chippendale Collection. The box states that The Chippendale collection consists of the finest miniature furniture kits available. All parts are precut and some are even pre-carned to enable you to construct 1" to 1' scale versions of some of the best examples of antique furniture in the Chippendale style. This kit was also designed by John R. Adams.