This parlor table is very similar to a table in the “Styles of American Furniture” book on page 67.  There appears to be differences in the inlay wood choices resulting in a rosier (Rosewood) color to this table.  The incising patterns on the lower section vary between them, as does the number of undulations on the paw feet. The contrasting Rosewood drawer looked out of place surrounded by ebonized wood, but in comparing it to the table in the book, I confirmed that to be intentional.  Even with the variations between the two, I would still not hesitate to state that the two tables were made by the same maker, which the seller, DuMouchelles, is attributing to be Pottier & Stymus.

Continue Reading »

Related items for sale - hover mouse for more information

Sloans & Kenyon out of Chevy Chase, MD will be putting the ebonized Herter Brothers desk to the right up for sale on November 16th.  The back is stamped with the “Herter Bro’s” moniker, so you can be assured that this is the real deal.

The front of the desk is inlaid with “grapevines, stylized chrysanthemums and butterfly, in light satinwood or maple”, according to S&K.  The listing does not mention if the desk’s original “H” key has survived to be a part of the sale.

Bidding is expected to be strong with an expected range of $40,000 to $60,000 with a starting price of $20,000.

I don’t recommend storing the family crayons in this one.

More at the listing for the desk.  Sloans and Keyon will also be selling this ebonized writing table, thrice-signed by Herter Brothers.

Related items for sale - hover mouse for more information

There’s something about Kilian Brothers pieces that make them some of my favorites.  Their heavy mix of ebonization, polychrome paint (in some cases), heavy use of gilt-incising and Neo-Grec styling is very appealing to me and resulted in me adding one of their pieces to my collection a while back.

Thanks to a Rare Vic reader, John B., I was notified of this attributed Kilian Brothers table currently up for sale on Ebay.  I’ve also learned a new word from within the listing used to describe this piece of furniture  - architectonic.  I would agree based on it’s definition that a lot of Kilian pieces are “architectonic”.  First time I’ve heard that one.

Photo of the inlaid top below.  Listing ends on October 31st and the BIN price is $5,995 - or make an offer.  More at the listing.

Read more on Kilian Brothers.

Related items for sale - hover mouse for more information