Almost ashamed to post any of my work here with such beauty and
craftmanship (craftpersonship?) of others but advice and comments desired:

Before and during photos of the old rocking chair restoration. My plan
is to paint it before reassembly with dark blue milk paint, use fine
sandpaper and/or steel wool to create fake wear on arms, back, etc. then
finish with a few coats of wipe-on poly to preserve and protect the finish.

Any advice/comments carefully considered.

Walter.