Author Topic: Solid Mahogany Late American Classical or Empire? Table  (Read 11579 times)

guywire

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Solid Mahogany Late American Classical or Empire? Table
« on: May 20, 2013, 09:37:26 pm »
This table has been described to me as an American colonial solid cherry mahogany table but by others as only being maybe 100 years old. It's the heaviest and most solid table I've ever seen, except for ones made out of a whole tree trunk, which is kind of looks like in the center actually.

Revised - looks to be late american classical or empire with solid mahogany or mahogany and cherry components

Obviously it needs a complete refinish but other than that, which is the more likely history? From looking at other tables with the above description it looks nothing like that style. It's rather short and not very practical for use, although my family used it as a dinner table for years.
http://flickr.com/gp/gamp/z5K07A
http://flickr.com/gp/gamp/G1E951
http://flickr.com/gp/gamp/bBpG4d
http://flickr.com/gp/gamp/8qJw70
http://flickr.com/gp/gamp/ne3GQ9
« Last Edit: May 21, 2013, 08:07:54 am by guywire »

cogar

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Re: Solid Cherry Mahogany Colonial? Table
« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2013, 02:56:25 am »
First of all, it might be a solid cherry top, ..... but not a solid cherry mahogany top.

And secondly, if it is a solid wood top then it is most probably more than 100 years old ...... and I'm guessing mid 19th century or earlier ..... because of the "single" board top and drop leaves.

Big boards like those had to be sawed out of "virgin" timber.

bigwull

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Re: Solid Cherry Mahogany Colonial? Table
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2013, 03:15:56 am »
looks like its had a hard life....Oh! what an end i could give it....and it would be less harmful to the environment ;D ;D
I make no excuses,and no apologies....but i like a good Malt,

Ipcress

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Re: Solid Cherry Mahogany Colonial? Table
« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2013, 05:03:41 am »
Is the pedestal and the top a marriage or is it all original ? Looks a bit...cumbersome to me.




http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/14025556_an-american-late-classical-mahogany-work-table

guywire

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Re: Solid Cherry Mahogany Colonial? Table
« Reply #4 on: May 21, 2013, 07:25:36 am »
That pedestal does look exactly like it. But this table has been in the same configuration since my mom aquired it 30 years ago, and I don't see any signs that it was from a different piece. I suppose it is possible.

bigwull

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Re: Solid Cherry Mahogany Colonial? Table
« Reply #5 on: May 21, 2013, 07:27:12 am »
At this rate,I,ll have none of these left..... ;D..well done you,
I make no excuses,and no apologies....but i like a good Malt,

guywire

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dr612

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Re: Solid Cherry Mahogany Colonial? Table
« Reply #7 on: May 21, 2013, 07:32:59 am »
Looks to be American Empire.  Probably around 1830.  That pedastal base shape is reminiscent of Joseph Meeks, which would make it a New York product.  Empire is, or used to be, very popular down here in the South.  It would be mahogany, not cherry. 

ghopper1924

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Re: Solid Cherry Mahogany Colonial? Table
« Reply #8 on: May 21, 2013, 07:39:18 am »
Empire? Or Empire Revival? The simplicity of the base makes me think that it's the latter, ca late 19th - early 20th century.

It's definitely mahogany.
"I collect antiques because they're beautiful."

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bigwull

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Re: Solid Cherry Mahogany Colonial? Table
« Reply #9 on: May 21, 2013, 07:41:33 am »
And I found this one - http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/15740945_american-late-classical-mahogany-game-table
A well, there goes the last of my stock...

Mahogany....good slow burning wood.... ;D..Oops....2 for the price of one...... ;D
I make no excuses,and no apologies....but i like a good Malt,

guywire

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Re: Solid Cherry Mahogany Colonial? Table
« Reply #10 on: May 21, 2013, 07:42:57 am »
This one looks to be almost exactly it. http://pinterest.com/pin/461689399269294777/
Thanks everyone!

Although now I'm hearing it could be revival and much newer? It was in New York in the 80s, which seems to make sense.

dr612

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Re: Solid Cherry Mahogany Colonial? Table
« Reply #11 on: May 21, 2013, 07:52:06 am »
Here is a photo of a very similar base on a table known to be Empire.  Also, the base is pictured in the Joseph Meeks' advertising brochure from the 1830s.  Looks to me to be older than revival. 

guywire

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Re: Solid Mahogany Late American Classical or Empire? Table
« Reply #12 on: May 21, 2013, 08:14:16 am »
It looks like the empire tables more often have frennels on the corners as opposed to the late classical ones that don't?

dr612

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Re: Solid Mahogany Late American Classical or Empire? Table
« Reply #13 on: May 21, 2013, 08:55:22 am »
I actually think that the terms "Empire" and "Late Classical", at least as they relate to American furniture, are somewhat interchangeable.  They are describing a style of furniture made during the period of time from roughly 1825 to the 1840s. 

mart

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Re: Solid Mahogany Late American Classical or Empire? Table
« Reply #14 on: May 21, 2013, 10:48:31 am »
Your table originally had casters which would raise it another 2 inches or so !!  That's why it seems short !! Agree with Cogar and dr612 although not sure on wood type !! During the revival period not much figured mahogany was used except in higher end furniture !!  Most you find is the less expensive straight grain and much was veneered !! So this, I think, predates the revival period also construction is different !! I would say early to mid 19th century !!   Replace those casters and I think you will be more comfortable using it !!