Early 19th Century American Federal Period Sheraton Flame Mahogany Work Table

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Description

A rare and exceptional fine quality American Federal Period (1789-1823) mahogany worktable. circa 1820

This table comes from a pivotal … Read more A rare and exceptional fine quality American Federal Period (1789-1823) mahogany worktable. circa 1820

This table comes from a pivotal point in American history, following the Colonies winning their independence in the Revolutionary War, the Federal Period is the first truly American style of furniture.

The epotime of timeless elegance and sophistication, with clean lines, simple form, symmetry, stunning veneers, and ornamentation that lets exceptional craftsmanship speak for itself, its no wonder the Federal period remains among the most sought-after antique furniture on the market.

A most impressive example, this authentic antique table features numerous rare and important early American furniture elements that truly set it apart from others, including a single board tabletop, scarce projecting convex molded front panel and highly ornamental legs.

Exquisitely hand-crafted in the early 19th century, most likely Northeastern United States, exceptionally executed in period Sheraton taste, of very fine quality, warm rich solid and veneered mahoganys, having a square single board top with attractive grain patterns, atop case fitted with two dovetailed drawers featuring convex shaped flame mahogany drawer-fronts affixed with original wooden pulls and brass keyhole escutcheons, flanked by rare and most unusual conforming projecting convex shaped columns, raised on finely carved elaborately decorated turned rope twist legs terminating in ball feet.

PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION:
From a magnificence curated Chieftans Rd Greenwich, Connecticut private estate

2023: Acquired from the reputable auction house Blackrock Galleries, Greenwich, Connecticut

HISTORY:
Federal Period is the first truly American style of furniture; heavily influenced by Classicism and co-incident to NeoClassical Regency England and Louis XVI in France, it was introduced during the Federalist era in American politics (1788-1800) from the desire to break from the hold of England through independence and beyond

The Federal style developed after two of the most groundbreaking discoveries of the modern era — that of Herculaneum in 1738 and Pompeii in 1748. The ancient Italian cities had been buried by the volcanic eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., and after their re-discovery, archeologists stumbled upon a civilization frozen in time. With each new phase of excavation, more insight into the everyday lives of the Romans came into view thanks to the unearthing of not only architecture, but also domestic pieces such as ceramics, glass, and furniture. For the first time in the modern age, Roman culture and design could be studied directly, and these studies had a resounding influence on the worlds of fashion and furniture design.

Federal period Sheraton influenced furniture dates from about 1790 through 1820. It is named for the famed London, England furniture designer and teacher Thomas Sheraton (1751-1806), who trained as a cabinetmaker. He is very well known for his written guides, especially his first, The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing-Book, published 1791-94. A neoclassic style, Sheraton design falls within the Federal period in the United States.

The Federal Home-
Following the Revolutionary War (1775-83), also known as the American Revolution, the country experienced an unprecedented period of wealth and prosperity. The economy expanded in many significant ways as men earned their fortunes through land speculation, trade with the East, and a general surge of demand for consumer goods among the American people. With the influx of money into the economy, a wealthy upper-middle class soon emerged, and many began spending their new income on stylish interior design and household furnishing.

Alongside Federal design emerged Federal architecture, based on the design ethos of the Englishman Robert Adams, which greatly expanded domestic interior design and layout. Before this period, most American homes did not include a traditional dining room with a table and dining chairs. Therefore, most families ate formal meals in parlors or bed chambers. However, the dining room came into fashion in the post-Revolutionary years, marking a dramatic change in the domestic space and the flow of daily life. Naturally, new household items were required to furnish the dining room, including chandeliers, sideboards, large dining tables, wine coolers, glassware, silverware, and plateaus, among other luxuries. After dining gained its own formal space, parlors also shifted to a more casual entertaining space, with new furnishings such as comfortable seatings and card tables.

In many ways, this general change in domestic homes reflected the optimism and joie de vivre of the post-war years and, the national pride of the nation. By tying their homes to the classical past, it became clear that Americans saw their own country in the might and grandeur of the ancient Roman Empire.

These aesthetic connections became all the clearer with the emergence of the American Empire style around 1815; alternatively known as the later classical revival, it would officially supplant the Federal style. However, it was not the end of the Federal style; it experienced a resurgence in the early 20th century that has lasted to the present day. While you can easily find modern-day replicas on the market today, authentic Federal-era furniture is rare and valuable, making it an awe-inspiring addition to modern interiors.

DIMENSIONS: (approx)
28.5" High, 24" Wide, 21.5" Deep

Versatile; as warm and handsome as it is functional, having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses in today's contemporary interiors, including as an accent table, sofa end table, chair side table, nightstand bedside cabinet, parlor lamp stand, or placed at the end of a hall, between pier windows or in the foyer as a striking yet reserved and unprecedented entry statement piece

Wherever it's placed, it's sure to add a touch of understated elegant sophistication, warmth, and rich historical depth to any space!

CONDITION:
Overall a superb museum quality example, in excellent original antique condition.

Attractive appearance, with nicely aged warm rich dark patina over the whole and polished lustrous sheen. Strong, solid, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Minimal wear consistent with age and use, including minor scattered nicks, abrasions to drawer edges and light rubbing. Key no longer extant.

Delivered cleaned, waxed, hand polished, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment See less