Convertible Music Stand, 1800

Description

Height-adjustable quartet music stand

france
mahogany
late 18th century

dimensions: h x w x d: 79-115 x 97 x 76 … more Height-adjustable quartet music stand

france
mahogany
late 18th century

dimensions: h x w x d: 79-115 x 97 x 76 cm

very rare, convertible side table, or quartet music stand.

table standing on a rollable, three-legged base with folding tops in the style of a pembroke table. When the table tops are lifted, the supports underneath, which are mounted on springs, move automatically. The table tops can be locked in various degrees of inclination, up to a completely horizontal position, resulting in a table top with a width of 97 cm. The end slats of the top, which can also be moved, can be used as bookends.
in addition to two music stands, two drawers and two flat trays can be pulled out of the high frame of the unit. There is also a flap that provides storage space for slightly larger items.
the four candle holders that can be inserted at the corners ensure that the musicians can also rehearse diligently at night.

another highlight of the piece of furniture is its height adjustability.
with the help of a solid iron crank, we set a cogwheel in motion that engages in a toothed bar and thus moves the height of an iron-reinforced beechwood support. The worm drive on the crankshaft ensures that the height position is held securely - no extra locking mechanism is required.
the mechanism is well thought out and solidly constructed from brass and iron.

the high quality of the piece of furniture is generally impressive. Sturdy iron struts ensure that the table is absolutely level with the substructure. Please also take a look at the photo, which shows one of the small brass castors. On closer inspection, you will notice that there are two smaller guide castors in addition to the main castor, which ensure that the table can be moved easily despite its heavy weight and that the castors do not drag but slide reliably into the desired position.

worth knowing:
furniture with a similar function and also a similar appearance is known from the german-born ebenist joseph gengenbach (1712-1797). Gengenbach, who was already living in paris in the 1740s and also worked for jean-francois oeben and pierre migeon, among others, received his master's title in 1766. Gengenbach did not stamp with his real name, but with canabas jme. Some furniture is known with the canabas stamp, but there are also others that are not signed but can be attributed to him as they are typical of his workshop.
with a few exceptions, gengenbach's - or canabas' - furniture is made of solid mahogany. The wood is of excellent quality, sober and in soft colours. In addition to producing classic furniture such as chests of drawers, secretaries and tables, his workshop was known above all for innovative, easily movable and height-adjustable furniture. The use of castors, toothed mouldings, movable candle holders and folding desks is typical here.
although the piece of furniture offered here is not stamped, its mechanics and workmanship fit into canabas' oeuvre.

condition:
restored condition suitable for everyday use.
only the brackets of the chandelier arms were still present at the time of purchase. The chandeliers themselves have been replaced in the course of the restoration.

please refer to the following literature:
pierre kjellberg - le mobilier francais du xviiie siècle from p. 158 less