Sometimes we get presented an opportunity to trade up on our furniture collection and this weekend I had that opportunity. “Trade Up” is the phase when “Add” is no longer a possibility due to space. While perusing one of my favorite antique haunts I ran into this great Merklen table with the hollowed out triple-spiral legs - probably my favorite Merklen design element.

Another interesting attribute of this particular table is the double finials on the stretcher.

The table that it is replacing is one that I attribute to Merklen due to the stylistic elements and the brass/wood ball and claw feet. I had always intended to fix it up but you know how that goes… off to Ebay it will go….

I am selling one of the pieces from my house as I just can’t find “the right place” for it amongst the rest of my collection. It is rather sizable as far as parlor tables go (34″h x 24.5″w x 30.5″d) as most tables of the period are only 27-30″ tall. Roman columns, acanthus leaves and dolphin feet adorn the very intricate metal work. I’m not sure of the metal(s) that make up the stand but the two table surfaces are Onyx marble. The top appears to be original as there is a name written in 19th century style script on the underside. The bottom marble may be original or replacement but is cut perfectly and is an excellent match. No condition problems that I am aware of. Write me for more information if you are interested.

Up for auction is a John Henry Belter Rosalie with grapes pattern sofa, offered by Depew Auction Gallery from Atlanta, GA. You can see an identical sofa in the Belter book by Schwartz, et al. on page 60. I can’t see any condition issues (based on what photos we have) except for what looks like separation due to age on the front right leg and the usual personal preference consideration on the fabric. August 23rd will be the end of the auction, which starts bidding at $750 and an expected range of $3,000 to $4,000. More info and pictures here.

Unfortunately I was too late on purchasing a nice table from Antiquarian Traders, pictured above. It had previously been sold by the time that I inquired and had not yet been removed from one of the many sites that they sell their inventory from (TIAS, Trocadero, Ruby Lane, etc.). Although it isn’t a beefy and highly decorative table, it is visually appealing and was special because of the price ($850) and who made it - George Hunzinger (though not marked as such). You can see an identical table on page 84 in Barry Harwood’s book, “The Furniture of George Hunzinger, Invention and Innovation in Nineteenth-Century America” (with the marble missing, mind you). Although we often see chairs by Hunzinger come up for sale, it is not often that you see marble-top tables from him (remember, many of the other tables often attributed to him are Merklen).

If you haven’t stopped by Antiquarian Trader’s website, it is worth the visit and they have just listed many of their items on Ebay’s Live Auction site (824 pieces of furniture) to be sold August 22nd, including items from Jelliff, Belter, Pottier & Stymus and many more.

Coming up at auction on August 30th will be a fantastic labeled Alexander Roux Hunt Sideboard. I would say that this one is at least on par with the one at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A Roux sideboard achieved a hammer price of $20,350 at Stevens on April 21st and you can find one for sale now at Ruby Lane for $55,000.

Here’s an excerpt from the listing describing the piece above. Bidding will start at $20,000 and expected range is $40,000 to $60,000. More info here.

IMPORTANT AND RARE LABELED HUNT BOARD BY ALEXANDER ROUX. This important marble top huntboard having an original label attached to the back with his 479 Broadway, NYC address. The sideboard having a top section in two pieces, the upper crest being removable, and having a full-figured putti amongst grape vine, grapes, and leaves. The end of the vine has a fanciful stylized bird head. Below the crest is a small half round shelf supported by a grape cluster mounted to a vine and leaf support. The central deep carved relief panel depicting a goat lying on a rock outcropping flanked by wheat stocks and small bushes. The background having a mountain and rolling hill bass relief. Flanked by half round shelves with similar grape and vine motif. The whole back section supported by two front supports with scroll vine and leaf with hanging grape clusters. The sides supporting elements with similar design. This top section resting on the fitted “breche d’aleps” with dishtop molded edge on the conforming D-form base fitted with four aligned drawers, the handles of interwoven foliate vinery over four cupboard doors, the centermost pair with carved bow-tied allegorical swags of fruits, berries, sheaf’s of wheat, and broad-brimmed farmer’s hats, the bowed outer doors with scrolling sprays of carved nuts and fruit, all within shaped moldings and figured walnut panels raised on a conforming molded plinth. NOTE: A family receipt regarding the transfer of this piece in 1946 accompanies the lot, it is our understanding that the piece has never been out of the family. PROVENANCE: From a fine western Massachusetts home. SIZE: 95″h x 72″w x 25″d. CONDITION: Very find overall condition, with finely detailed carvings and original surfaces with very good patina. Label is original, readable, and intact, no damages or restoration noted beyond very minor blemishes due to normal wear.