Date archive
2026
Posts originally published in 2026 from the RareVictorian collection.
The Best Cabinetmaker in New York Quit at the Top — and Left You Almost Nothing to Label
Charles Baudouine ran the biggest cabinet shop in New York, then walked away in 1856 to sell real estate. He rarely labeled anything, which is exactly why his rosewood keeps getting called Belter.
For the Record: Julius Dessoir, the Crystal Palace Carver Who Isn't Belter
Not every deeply carved rosewood sofa is a Belter. Julius Dessoir's documented 1853 Crystal Palace suite at the Met is the yardstick — and the lamination test that separates carved-solid Rococo from Belter's laminated shell.
A Roux-Attributed Wolf-Head Sideboard at Hal Hunt
Hal Hunt is offering a walnut Renaissance Revival sideboard attributed to Alexander Roux, with a marble top, wolf-head crest, and a $3,000–$6,000 estimate.
A Horner-Attributed Winged-Griffin Library Desk
Hal Hunt is offering an oak library desk attributed to R. J. Horner, with full-standing winged griffins and a $3,000–$6,000 estimate.
A Meeks-Attributed Rosewood Étagère at Stevens
Stevens is offering a laminated rosewood étagère attributed to J. & J.W. Meeks, with Annesdale Mansion provenance and an $8,000–$12,000 estimate.
For the Record: Kimbel & Cabus in a Little Oak Key Cabinet
A small oak hanging key cabinet at the Met shows Kimbel & Cabus applying Gothic architecture to a household form — a useful comparison point for minor case pieces.
Own the Name: Exact-Match .com Domains for the Great Victorian Cabinetmakers
Herterbrothers.com. Rjhorner.com. Johnhenrybelter.com. Rare exact-match .com domains for the most documented American Victorian cabinetmakers — available now via secure escrow.
For the Record: Daniel Pabst, the Hand Behind the "Furness" Modern Gothic Cabinet
The Met's towering Modern Gothic cabinet is attributed to both Frank Furness and Daniel Pabst — designer and maker. Here's why the distinction between the two roles matters when you're cataloging one of these pieces.