Antique English William IV Period Mahogany Inlaid Chessboard Top Sewing Stand

Description

A period William IV English mahogany sewing stand work table with inlaid chessboard top. circa 1830s

Combining sophisticated elegance, warmth, … more A period William IV English mahogany sewing stand work table with inlaid chessboard top. circa 1830s

Combining sophisticated elegance, warmth, and functional design, this outstanding example was born in England in the mid-19th century, exquisitely hand-crafted of warm rich mahoganys, having a rectangular top with games board inlay and stepped molded edge. The tabletop sliding open to reveal a single large spacious storage compartment, the deep solid wood bin wrapped in decorative linen-folded yellow upholstery, supported by a tapering square pedestal standard with molded detail, over shaped X-form base, rising on intricately hand-carved acanthus leaf scroll feet, resting on partially inset casters.

Dimensions: (approx)
29.75" High, 20" Wide, 18" Wide
Top: 20" Wide x 16.75" Deep

William IV Furniture History:
It was unexpected that, at the age of 64, William IV was crowned king of England. He had two older brothers, yet the death of Prince Frederick put him in line for the British throne when George IV died in 1830. His reign was brief, as he died on June 20, 1837, but it was a pivotal time of change, with parliamentary reform leading to the present-day constitutional monarchy. Antique William IV–style furniture reflects this period of transition, with forms that bridged the neoclassicism of the preceding Regency style and the more extravagant Victorian style that would follow.

Inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, William IV designs were often more imposing than Regency furniture and featured decorative attributes. There were sofas balanced on lion’s feet and tables with brass fittings. But furnishings of this period were largely marked by straight lines and subdued ornamentation compared to those of the George IV era. William IV had an unassuming way about him and was much more formal, whereas the ruler who preceded him was a king of extravagance. George IV had an affinity for French decor and was heavily invested in overhauling the private residences at Windsor Castle.

Carvings on William IV four-poster beds and cabinets included scrolling shapes, lotus leaves and acanthus, while popular pieces like tilt-top tables and upholstered seating on caster legs provided flexible interiors. Richly toned woods like mahogany and rosewood were used for sideboards, bedposts boasting reeded details and dining chairs with intricate chair backs and turned front legs.

William IV left no legitimate heirs, so his young niece, Victoria, became queen. She would lead an era of taste in which the innovations of the Industrial Revolution allowed for manufacturing showier furniture to fill elaborate interiors. With its comparatively refined forms and restrained designs, William IV style was a pause before a time of radical aesthetic change.

Provenance / Acquisition:
A private Highland Park estate collection of fine museum quality period antiques

Acquired from highly reputable auction house, J. Garrett Auctioneers, Dallas, Texas.

Condition:
Great condition with beautifully aged patina over the whole. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Retaining original antique character and charm throughout, including scattered nicks, scratches, staining and fading to fabric basket cover, seized casters, all wear consistent with age and indicative of use.

Delivered cleaned, waxed, with hand rubbed polished French patina finish, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment! less