catalog text
EMPIRE FLAMED-MAHOGANY DRESSING TABLE
Baltic States, circa 1840
Item # 003GLC13
An unusual and incredibly attractive dressing table from the second quarter of the 19th century, this piece has been preserved in simply outstanding original condition. Retaining an early silky french polish, the dense flamed mahogany woods positively glow under years of rubbed wax and gentle wear. The form is intelligently designed with the middle mirrored panel in a track that can lower or raise with tiny pressure tabs holding it in place when elevated. There is an overall concavity to the form that beautifully pairs with the cyma curvature of the legs.
Flanking the molded center panel are small drawers on either side with raised finials that are integral with the front edge of the drawer - the drawer facade along with the columns and finials drawer forward to reveal a tidy storage space on either side, both drawers crisply hand-dovetailed in the typical manner. In the skirt a single broad drawer slides easily in and out of the case with a well-cast ribbon keyhole escutcheon that matches the powerful ribbon-over-wreath mount in the center of the middle panel.
The body is raised over dramatic curved legs that taper and terminate in stylized animal paws stretched by a solid polished stretcher base with a concave front edge.
Pure and mostly untouched, this is a very fine acquisition - it is a most dramatic strikepoint piece.
Measurements: 37 3/4" H [with mirror lowered] x 16 1/2" D x 37 1/8" W
Condition Report:
Wear to parcel gilding of animal paw feet. Light cracking and veneer losses in concave stretcher edge. Filled cracks in top of small drawers on either side of mirror. Age appropriate wear and blemish to wood surfaces throughout. No key, lock untested. Early mirror with silvering losses. Overall remaining a fine presentation.