American Empire 1830-1840 Flame Mahogany Chest of Drawers With Lion's Paw Feet and Carved Mahogany Pillars, Cavetto Secret Drawer

Description

1830-1840 American Empire Chest of Drawers with 4 normal drawers and one secret cavetto drawer on top, that opens by … more 1830-1840 American Empire Chest of Drawers with 4 normal drawers and one secret cavetto drawer on top, that opens by reaching from the open door below and sliding it out. This was a family heirloom, in the Antebellum Greek Revival home where I grew up. but it sat unused in the upstairs hall for 50 years because drawers needed repair. I finally had a retired cabinetmaker repair the drawers, he used planed front and rough back wood and stained them to appear as original as was feasible. It is now in my living room, each drawer holding documents and they work well. I believe this is Not made by Meeks, who used steam powered bandsaws, as the back of the lion's feet appear cut with a hand saw. This appears to have been made by one or more very skilled craftsmen. it is unique in that it has carved mahogany pillars and lion's paw feet. Empire generally used much veneer and little carving, so my guesstimate is about 1830. American Empire was inspired by Classical discoveries in Greece and Egypt, hence the Column pillars and lion's paws.. It complimented the new Greek Revival homes styled after the Parthenon. but only lasted about 10 years, as Victorian and other ornate architecture replaced the classic Greek revival homes. It remained popular among those who had plantation and 1830 industrial Revolution homes, , so was seen along the Erie Canal, Colonial plantations and key West, where it arrived by shipwreck en route to New Orleans. This is a museum quality piece, as finish appears original. There are some chips in veneer but now the drawers have been repaired, it could live in your home or museum for another century. It may be picked up OR shipping could be arranged by Cherish. This will be packed in layers of cardboard, increasing size several inches each way and shipped by truck. i have been shipping parts all over the world for decades, so am good at packing and shipping less