Author Topic: Empire Cabinet: history and severe tarnish  (Read 6123 times)

cdburke

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Re: Empire Cabinet: history and severe tarnish
« Reply #15 on: April 21, 2015, 10:52:36 pm »
Update…
The person I saw was extremely knowledgeable about antiques in general.  After viewing his inventory while waiting a few minutes, I was impressed that he was impressed with my cabinet.  He thought it was of exceptional form and made between 1816 and 1820 (NY).  He said he hasn’t ever seen anything of its kind and that it was likely a pair.  He told me the drawers were secondary cherry (pic below) and thought that was unusual -- other parts poplar of course.  Also, he was unsure about the ring under the base (pic) and thought that was different/unusual too.  He confirmed that the mounts had been fire gilded and told me the feet had gold leafs although painted/stained now (pic).  He did not see any indication that the doors were not original.  I actually had no idea the grill inserts were brass, since they were not gilded and very tarnished.
Take a look at the after photos below!!

cdburke

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Re: Empire Cabinet: history and severe tarnish
« Reply #16 on: April 21, 2015, 10:55:47 pm »
Two more photos...

jacon4

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Re: Empire Cabinet: history and severe tarnish
« Reply #17 on: April 22, 2015, 12:51:47 am »
Yeah, how about the top, is it original? The drawer secondary wood being cherry is not common but others did do that sort of thing, Herter Bros built high end cabs and used cherry that way.

cdburke

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Re: Empire Cabinet: history and severe tarnish
« Reply #18 on: April 22, 2015, 08:12:08 am »
The onyx top.  I gathered from his comments that it would not have been common (or likely wasn't original), but I forgot to ask specifically.  Thanks!

jacon4

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Re: Empire Cabinet: history and severe tarnish
« Reply #19 on: April 23, 2015, 01:29:08 am »
Yeah, that hurts it's resale value some. It certain circles Empire can bring good money although antique furniture is generally down in prices, thats good for collectors, bad for sellers.

mart

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Re: Empire Cabinet: history and severe tarnish
« Reply #20 on: April 23, 2015, 07:55:27 am »
But its a beautiful piece and surely something to keep for the future !!

cdburke

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Re: Empire Cabinet: history and severe tarnish
« Reply #21 on: April 23, 2015, 08:47:49 am »
Yes, thank you!!  I have no intention of ever selling.

mart

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Re: Empire Cabinet: history and severe tarnish
« Reply #22 on: April 23, 2015, 10:18:57 am »
By "ring" are you talking about the little apron on the bottom ??

cdburke

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Re: Empire Cabinet: history and severe tarnish
« Reply #23 on: April 23, 2015, 10:45:24 am »
Yes, that's correct.