Date archive
2007
Posts originally published in 2007 from the RareVictorian collection.
Back From Key West
I'm back from Key West and I had an eventful week including a good share of Victorian sightseeing while I was there. It's good to be back and I'm ready to get back into the Rare Victorian and digging into the minutiae of
70-Foot Christmas Trees and a Key West Christmas
We have not yet had a chance to host a family Christmas at "Pennyscroft" since the family rotation has taken us to Florida each of the past two Christmases that we've had since buying the home. Chrismas can be quite gran
Manly Man's Guide to Buying Victorian Antiques
It's funny to watch the faces of friends and coworkers as they take a tour of our house for the first time. When they learn that it was me and not my wife that selected all of the Victorian antiques that we own, you can
My Favorite Victorian Antique
I'm sure everyone has a favorite piece in their antique collection and picking out just one to be "the favorite" is like picking your favorite child, but for me it's a relatively easy choice... and I don't have children.
Modern Gothic Secretary/Dresser
This Modern Gothic dresser/secretary has a central drawer that pulls out and the front panel drops to expose a desk surface. The design elements of this piece are primarily Eastlake due to the shallow incisings, grooved
Giveaway Winner!
Congratulations are in order for Jason Flatt (you may have seen him as "1881Victorian" in the forum) who was the winner of the Century of Revivals giveaway. Thanks go out to all of you who registered to participate and I
Did George J. Henkels Make This Chair?
I am unsure as to whether this chair was produced by George Henkels as the seller prescribes. I have profiled this identical form of chair from another seller previously and now that I have seen a few of them, I'd like t
Hunzinger Rocker with Duplex Spring up for Bid
Just a quick note to point out that a Hunzinger rocker with the duplex spring popped up for sale in the San Francisco area (they're saying no shipping). It appears to be in good condition and has nice spiral turned frame
Pabst Poker/Tavern Table
Sometimes my auction searches by keyword bring up some interesting items such as this Pabst table ... Pabst Blue Ribbon table that is - yes, the beer company. My search is intended to identify antique Daniel Pabst items
J & JW Meeks "Duchesse" Dressing Table
I learn something new every day as I glean the Internet for memorable furniture. This form of dressing table can apparently be referred to as a "Duchesse" due to the curved back form. My initial research on the term Duch
Anthony Quervelle Sideboard
Technically this American Classical sideboard that is attributed to Anthony Quervelle is pre-Victorian, probably 1825-1835, but that is close enough for me to profile this beautiful piece in the Rare Victorian.Anthony Qu
Hidden Merklen Brothers Chair
This Merklen chair (my attribution) is buried under a "Gothic Revival" description with no mention of either Hunzinger or Merklen and is posted with an expected range of $250-$350. Considering the last nice Merklen chair
Stellar John Jelliff Pieces at Neal Auction
For Jelliff fans out there, it doesn't get much better than what is coming up for sale during the December 1st and 2nd Neal Auction sale. Two tables and a parlor set that have been attributed to Jelliff will go up for bi
Please Take this Quick Survey
I am considering developing an antique pricing research tool that will sift through historic auction data based on your search parameters (e.g. "Horner griffin partner's desk"). The tool would report back a few years wor
New "Auction Watch" Board
I've added a new board to VictorianForum.com: "Auction Watch"Please use this board to post about and read about good upcoming auctions with quality Victorian Furniture lots. Please read the board instructions before post
Meeks Stanton Hall Parlor Set
Coming up for sale is another historically unified parlor set being split into separate lots. This time it is a "Stanton Hall" parlor set from J & JW Meeks. I won't revisit the topic of splitting these historic sets
Herter Brothers Bookcase Find
You may remember Ralph and Pamela Krainik from the previous post on their monumental clock. They recently let me know that they purchased a Victorian bookcase and were able to identify it as a Herter Brothers piece due t
Taking Decorative Risks
This three-piece set of parlor furniture will certainly jump out at you when you enter the room. I still can't decide if I like it or not and I think the problem I'm having is due to the upholstery. I think if this were
Moorish Fretwork and Spindle Lattice-Work Identification
Paul Tucker has placed a request for identification help on the Rare Victorian community board here to get some ideas on who has produced these two pieces. The first is a Moorish fretwork umbrella stand marked as made by
Charles Rohlfs Chair - Sold $198,000
If you remember this chair from my previous post, I thought I'd update you on the recent sale results - $198,000. It took four minutes to sell and handily exceeded the pre-auction estimate of $30,000-$50,000. It's in exc
Rare Victorian Attire Available!
Ok, this might go down as the worlds worst attempt at humor but the idea hit me and I created a shirt for myself to wear to antique shows, auctions, etc. I've opened up a shop on CafeExpress so that that fans of Rare Vic
Alexander Roux Armchairs at Kamelot
One of my local auction houses, Kamelot Auctions is putting up for bid this pair of matching armchairs with unmatching upholstery. I believe that they are accurate with their tentative "Roux?" attribution. You can find t
Nineteenth Century Furniture - Innovation, Revival and Reform
I've set up a new Reference Book page on the Rare Victorian site and I will be adding more entries over time, one of which will be this book, "Nineteenth Century Furniture: Innovation, Revival and Reform". I point this o
Exceptional Merklen Chair Sold - $3,250
This incredible Merklen chair, for which you can see an identical twin represented in the print copy of Paul Tucker's article in "The Magazine Antiques", sold today for $3,250. It was incorrectly marked as a Hunzinger wi
Allen and Brother Music Cabinet
Up for sale from Kamelot Auctions in Philadelphia is this fine Allen and Brother (attributed) music cabinet. This piece has a central bronze plaque of a Nouveau-styled woman supported by garland and stylized animal legs
George Hunzinger Marble Top Table
Although unmarked, I am attributing this table to George Hunzinger. This is a great example of his table designs which you can view in the Barry Harwood book on Hunzinger, pages 80-82. This one has ebonized touches on th
Move Your Antiques to Hawkridge Farm for $24 Million
With 150 acres and an annual maple syrup output of 25 gallons per acre - that's a lot of pancakes.This home is up for sale in the Toronto, Canada vicinity and is a 24,000 square foot Victorian-styled mansion owned by the
Splitting of Sets - Does it Bother You Too?
Does it bother anyone other than me that auction houses (and dealers) take parlor sets that have been together for 150 years and split them up to maximize the total sale? This particular set is a John Henry Belter "Fount
All-Original Signed Herter Brothers Walnut Bookcase
This is the first Herter Brothers bookcase that I have run across since I've been collecting over the past few years and this one is stamped "Herter Bros." to confirm it's origin. If I had a spare $10k to buy furniture t
Montgomery House - Three Story Victorian for $349,900
Obviously the housing market must be different in Claysville, PA than here in the Philadelphia suburbs. I ran across this house in a newspaper article stating that it was for sale for $349,900. It has been extensively re
The Dietz Rebuttal - Jelliff or Schrenkeisen?
Michael O'Docharty reminded me of the letter that Ulysses Grant Dietz wrote to The Magazine Antiques in response to the 1999 Anna Tobin D'Ambrosio article that I mention in this prior post. Dietz is curator of Decorative
Daniel Pabst "Baby Doe" Tabor Bedroom Set
This bedroom set is dripping in intriguing provenance and replete with the highs and lows of an opera story - literally. This is a well-documented two-piece bedroom attributed to Daniel Pabst. It was originally owned by
George C. Flint Spiral Turned 1890s Rocker
Rockers aren't exactly sexy so I don't generally post about them but this one is important for historical reference. There are too few labeled Victorian pieces out there to give us an historic record of who made what. Th
Century of Revivals Giveaway
Don't forget if you haven't already done so - make yourself eligible for the Century of Revivals giveaway. You won't find this rare book at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. I believe only Lise Bohm has copies of this 1983 pub
Mustaches of the Nineteenth Century
For those that can appreciate a some humor with a 19th century slant, I thought I'd introduce you to a blog that I ran into today that explores the world of 19th Century mustaches one albumin print at a time from the Uni
Matched Pair of Meeks Parlor Tables
For the collector for whom one J & JW Meeks table wouldn't be enough, here's a chance to purchase a matched pair of marble-topped Rococo parlor tables by Meeks.You have plenty of time to save up for them as they will
Kilian Brothers Aesthetic Movement Pedestal
This Walnut pedestal, which I will attribute to Kilian Brothers due to the multi-colored incising paint and similarity in form to other Kilian pedestals, is up for bidding until October 21st. Measurements are 40" high, t
The First Ever Rare Victorian Giveaway!
For the first time at RareVictorian.com you can get something for free! I find myself in possession of two copies of the Newark Museum Bulletin, "Century of Revivals: Nineteenth-Century American Furniture in the Newark M
Pottier & Stymus or Herter Brothers Desk?
Stevens Auction is getting set for an auction on November 3rd that includes many items that Rare Victorian followers would be interested in considering. I ran across this desk (lot 1302) attributed to Pottier and Stymus
Allen and Brother Cabinet (not Herter Brothers)
For some reason the Allen and Brother pieces are coming out of the woodwork after not seeing any for months. Lewis & Maese Auction Company is bringing this cabinet up for sale on October 24th and have it marked as a
Besarel Mirror Brings $156,000
Including buyers premium, the aforementioned Besarel mirror fetched $156,000 ($130k hammer price) when it closed yesterday. During the same auction, the Allen and Brother pieces I have posted about brought mixed results.
Speedlinks for Friday, October 12, 2007
Going forward I'll occasionally do a post titled "Speedlinks" which is a common blogging concept of providing 3-5 short links in one post vs. the usual single-topic post. Here's todays:If you're into marquetry, this Empi
Victorian Interiors Clip
I thought some might appreciate this 4-minute video regarding Victorian home interiors taken in Wheeling, WV. Not sure I'd agree with the film's assertion that Victorians didn't spend as much effort on the exterior of th
Winged Griffin Allen and Brother Sofa
Since seeing Allen and Brother items for sale is rare, I thought I'd mention this sofa (attributed to Allen & Bro.) that will be auctioned off in the same sale as the Allen and Brother credenza that I previously post
Please Take Our Survey
Please do me a favor and take about 30 seconds to take a 5 question survey about this site. I want to be sure that I take Rare Victorian in a direction that is in-line with feedback that you provide. Thanks!You can take
Kagutou.com
If you love antiques of all types as I do, stop by my brother's Japanese Antique Furniture blog, kagutou.com. I guess it runs in the family. He was a cabinet maker for many years and specialized in producing Japanese fur
High-Style, Mass-Produced Furniture
Who made this chair? The answer follows... I often blog about the highest-end Victorian furniture from the period, but there is a class of furniture a notch below which was still high-style but mass-produced for the midd
7-Piece J & JW Meeks "Stanton Hall"
I love how Neal Auction Company goes to great lengths to provide helpful condition reports on their online auction items and in this case it is a 3-pager, which is unusual, but it is largely due to the fact that this lot
Now Open! The Rare Victorian Community Forum
I've just opened up a forum for the Rare Victorian visitors to interact with one another. I encourage everyone to sign up and participate. I've kicked off the forum by uploading pictures of my house in the "Victorian Hou
Allen and Brother Credenza
Somedays I wonder if the top 5 favorite Victorian cabinet makers list that my subconscious maintains without my permission (I try not to play favorites) would be topped by Allen and Brother. This credenza surely stands n
Daniel Pabst Bedroom Set?
I recently purchased a double twin bedroom set at auction, drawn to it by the extensive use of maple in the construction and the Aesthetic carvings. The carvings and incisings are very crisp and there is a lot of birdsey
Bembe & Kimbel U.S. Representatives Chair Reprise
Does this chair look familiar? I did a post (see for more history) on these Bembe & Kimbel U.S. House of Representatives chairs back in May and here's another one coming up for sale. These chairs were used in the Hou
Monumental Mirror by Valentino Panciera Besarel - 1863
You should stop by the listing to see the detail pictures for this monumental (6' x 9') carved wooden mirror by Valentino Panciera Besarel (1829-1902), an Italian sculptor. The carvings are incredible as is the expected
Aesthetic Floral Carved and Inlaid Cabinet attr. Herter Brothers
Coming up for sale at the Fontaine's sale mentioned in an earlier post is this ebonized Herter Brothers (attr.) carved and gilded, floral inlaid cabinet. The top gallery has a hand-painted hunt scene. Condition is good e
Charles Rohlfs Chair
If you'll excuse the interruption in the flow of Victorian Furniture for this minor sidestep into Arts and Crafts, I thought I'd mention this great chair coming up for sale by Charles Rohlfs.Charles started his career as
JHB Chairs
A recent email from a site visitor had me thinking about the fact that most of the famous cabinet makers of their time were at one time not so famous. They had to have an apprentice period in their earlier years and they
3-Piece Thomas Brooks Bedroom Set
Fontaine's Auction Gallery is gearing up for a big sale on the 29th and this bedroom set, attributed to Thomas Brooks, will be up for bids. The set is comprised of 100+" tall burled bed and vanity as well as a nightstand
Incredible Herter Brothers Find
Imagine yourself perusing your local antique shops and finding this lady's desk in the window, priced aggressively and no one but you noticed how special it was. BJ Laughlin of B and D Furniture with Generation Next Anti
Credenzas Gone Wild
I don't know about you, but I'm used to seeing Renaissance Revival credenzas with 3 sections, sometimes with two heights to the tops (the center being higher) and possibly a rear gallery or crest. This particular credenz
Monumental Neo-Grec Clock
I've received some pictures of a clock recently acquired by Ralph & Pamela Krainik of the House of Seven Gables in Baraboo, WI. Their website is worth a visit to tour their beautiful 17-room 1860 Gothic Revival home.
John Jelliff "Elbow" Armchairs
I ran across these unattributed chairs at an upcoming auction with an unusual design element that I recognized - arms that float on protruding elbows. According to the Newark Museum's "Century of Revivals" publication, t
Alexander Roux Sideboard Sold - $178,250
Update: Well, the Alexander Roux labeled sideboard went for $178,250 including the buyers premium (hammer price $155k). Hopefully it's headed for a museum and not hidden away somewhere.
Gothic Revival Armchair
Coming up for auction within striking distance of my SUV is this Gothic Revival armchair ca. 1860. This chair is profiled in "The Big Book of Antique Furniture" by Lindquist (which I find to be a valuable reference for t
New York Renaissance Revival Center Table
Coming up for auction from GoAntiques Live is this Rosewood ebonized, inlaid, gilt-incised, and bronze-mounted center table (that's a lot of bling). I believe this is the same table that Lise Bohm is selling for $17,500
A Bevy of Belters
A bunch of John Henry Belter's simpler designs are coming up for auction from Flomaton and Thomaston. I've provided a quick pick list below. There are a few scroll pattern chairs and sofa, a pair of "Rosalie" chairs, and
Alexander Roux Sideboard Reminder
As mentioned in a previous post, don't forget this important and labeled Alexander Roux sideboard is coming up for auction on the 30th...
Merklen Parlor Table
Sometimes we get presented an opportunity to trade up on our furniture collection and this weekend I had that opportunity. "Trade Up" is the phase when "Add" is no longer a possibility due to space. While perusing one of
1880s/1890s Onyx and Metal Parlor Table
I am selling one of the pieces from my house as I just can't find "the right place" for it amongst the rest of my collection. It is rather sizable as far as parlor tables go (34"h x 24.5"w x 30.5"d) as most tables of the
John Henry Belter "Rosalie with Grapes" Sofa
Up for auction is a John Henry Belter Rosalie with grapes pattern sofa, offered by Depew Auction Gallery from Atlanta, GA. You can see an identical sofa in the Belter book by Schwartz, et al. on page 60. I can't see any
George Hunzinger Candle Stand
Unfortunately I was too late on purchasing a nice table from Antiquarian Traders, pictured above. It had previously been sold by the time that I inquired and had not yet been removed from one of the many sites that they
Alexander Roux Labeled Hunt Sideboard
Coming up at auction on August 30th will be a fantastic labeled Alexander Roux Hunt Sideboard. I would say that this one is at least on par with the one at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A Roux sideboard achieved a hamm
George Hunzinger Patent 1866 Folding Chair
Up at auction is a George Hunzinger stamped chair, patented in 1866. This chair design is depicted on page 51 of "The Furniture of George Hunzinger, Invention and Innovation in Nineteenth-Century America" by Barry Harwoo
Inlaid Renaissance Revival Credenza
Coming up for sale is a Renaissance Revival credenza done in the style that Alexander Roux, Pottier & Stymus, Herter Brothers and the other New York makers would have produced. This piece has gold incising, inlay pan
Kilian Brothers Aesthetic Pedestal
Usually I profile a piece before it actually sells, but in this case I'm doing so after the sale. Here's an Aesthetic pedestal that sold for $2,100 this past weekend on Ebay. A few noteworthy elements of this piece point
John Jelliff Carvings Update
I ran into yet another carving style for the Jelliff arms after I submitted the post yesterday, so I am adding it here. A Jelliff-attributed sofa just went for sale with the above arms including something I've never seen
John Jelliff Carved Bust Arms Analysis
There is a sidechair for sale on Ebay that is not attributed to any particular maker, but by zooming in on the arms one can see a carved Jenny Lind bust that normally would point to the chair being made by John Jelliff.
R.J Horner? No, Stickley-Brandt
Here's a parlor set that will be sold at auction by Steven's Auction Company during their July 27th/28th sale that is marked down as a Horner set. I have seen this same set attributed to Horner and Karpen in the past but
J & JW Meeks Side Chairs - Stanton Hall
Up for auction is a pair of J & JW Meeks side chairs made in the Stanton Hall pattern with coral damask upholstery. Expected sale range is $1,200 to $1,500 with starting price of $600. Here's a pair of the same chair
Another Furniture Maker Attribution Rant
You've seen my previous posts on the problems with attributions. I wanted to share one more related theme that I tend to encounter too often when I write to antique sellers about the pieces that they are selling.If I'm l
Leon Marcotte Credenza
Sometimes you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone and I have just learned that lesson very recently. I recently purchased the above pictured credenza at a small auction house in the country that usually doesn't hav
Charles Boudoine (not Belter) Armchair
Up for Auction is a very nice Rococo Rosewood armchair I will attribute to Charles Boudoine, and I believe incorrectly marked as John Henry Belter for it's auction. In looking at the listing, the "earlobe" carving on the
Hunzinger Lollipop Settee
Here's' the George Hunzinger Lollipop Settee from the "The Furniture of George Hunzinger Invention and Innovation in Nineteenth Century America" by Barry R. Harwood on page 131. Thanks go out to Joan Bogart who provided
George Hunzinger Settees
I am posting this pic of a settee by George Hunzinger for Ellen who passed by the Rare Victorian Blog this week and asked if Hunzinger did a settee in-line with the lollipop chair designs. Thanks very much to Joan Bogart
Stamped George Hunzinger Aesthetic Chair
Up for sale is the George Hunzinger chair profiled on the back and inside of the book, "The Furniture of George Hunzinger - Invention and Innovation in Nineteenth Century America" by Dr. Barry R. Harwood (you can almost
Jelliff Aficianados, Lend Me Your Thoughts
I picked up this chair at auction that at initial glance reminds me of the overall form that a John Jelliff armchair would have. There's a natural tendency to assume that what you now own is made by the famous maker that
Galusha Rococo Revival Side Chair
If you're a fan of John Henry Belter, Alexander Roux and J & JW Meeks pieces and haven't heard of Galusha, you should add that name to your shopping list. While his pieces weren't quite as over-the-top carved as Belt
The Problem With Antique Attributions
I recently ran into this table whose title read "Fine Thomas Brooks Marbletop Table" and in the item description, "Thomas Brooks undeniable stylings", so I looked closer. I can't tell you definitively if this is a Thomas
Herter Brothers Table Update
I received additional condition information and pictures for the Herter Brothers (attributed) table profiled earlier here. Here's the condition report:Several breaks and repairs to edge molding. Repairs to handles of urn
George Hunzinger Signed Side Chair
Ebonized chair made by Hunzinger which was patented by him in 1869. This particular incarnation is ebonized with gold incising, though I have this chair in the natural walnut finish at my home. I wouldn't buy this chair
The "Rare Vic Search"
I've posted a link to the search I use to broadly search for over 24 Famous Victorian Furniture makers in the right margin on this blog. I've dubbed the search the "Rare Vic Search". Feel free to try it out yourself and
J. & J.W. Meeks "Hartford" Sofa
Neal Auction House is auctioning off this Meeks "Hartford" sofa on June 9th. There is a nice pair of matching Hartford armchairs that are also being sold in the prior lot and can be seen here. They do a great job of writ
Rosewood Center Table - Possibly Herter Brothers
Does anyone besides me have an affliction for collecting Victorian parlor/center tables? I think it happens to the best of us for a variety of reasons:Most furniture is huge (sofas, cabinets, dressers, beds....) and requ
Kimbel & Cabus & Bembe, Oh My!
Sticking with the Kimbel and Cabus (and Bembe and Kimbel) theme as of late, here's an interesting plantation desk form - one with a deep desk surface that when closed provides a tall mirrored front. With a desk of that d
House of Representatives Chair Update
Thanks to William Flatt for the comment on our earlier post regarding the House of Representatives chair. He had pointed out a sale for an identical chair (95% or so identical - note the differences in the carvings on th
Signed Mitchell & Rammelsberg Rosewood Etagere
I've been getting some new traffic to the blog recently, so if you are new, the premise is simple. Each blog entry profiles rare Victorian furniture that I run across in my own personal search for furniture. I figured th
Gustave Herter Rosewood Chair
For those of you who like to buy pristine furniture with an impeccable finish which is ready to be placed in your home, this blog entry is not for you (nor was the last one for that matter). I'm fascinated by rare Victor
U.S. Congressional Chair by Bembe and Kimbel
Here's an exciting opportunity to own a piece of American history in the form of Victorian furniture. This chair as well as this desk were made for the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Capitol architect, Thomas Usti
Pair of Hunzinger Lollipop Chairs
It's not unusual to run into a Hunzinger lollipop chair but I haven't run into a matched pair: armchair and rocker. As I write this, the set has been bid up to only $202, though I anticipate them reaching a much higher p
Antiquarian Traders
Rather than highlight a particular item, I'll just point you to a link that will provide you a long list of high-end Victorian furniture that Antiquarian Traders has for sale. This link is one that you can bookmark and c
3-Piece John Jelliff Parlor Set
If you can get past the aging tufted upholstery here's a nice 3-piece John Jelliff (attributed) parlor set. The female figure on the carved arms gives this away as most likely from Jelliff. Many times Jelliff sofas are d
Five John Henry Belter "Henry Clay" pattern chairs
Here's a great opportunity to grab five matching Belter chairs at once for that huge parlor that you have to fill. Only a few more days left on this sale (May 5th ending) so bid soon if you are interested. You can see th
Neo-Grec Four-Piece Parlor Set - Jelliff Style
Up for auction is a Four-piece Neo-Grec Parlor Set made in the manner of John Jelliff. The carved arms provide the hint that this is possibly from Jelliff. Bidding ends on May 10th and pricing starts at $1,750 with expec
Belter Bonanza
If you are a fan of Belter furniture, there are 12 excellent lots for sale right now which are not being caught by my link on this page to Belter pieces for sale. They are listed as "JH Belter" vs. my usual search for "J
Three-piece Herter Renaissance Revival Parlor Set
Another week of business travel kept me away from the Victorian furniture for a while so I've done a little digging this morning. Here's a Herter Brothers (attributed) parlor set (sofa and 2 arm chairs) being sold by Woo
Pottier & Stymus Center Table
Up for sale is a center table attributed to Pottier & Stymus by Heritage Auction Galleries. Circa 1870, this table includes Rosewood, ebonized and giltwood elements with marquetry inlay. The chalice in the stretcher
Meeks "Hartford" Sofa
Sorry the blog has been quiet since the 9th but I've been buried in business meetings this week and I finally have a few moments to look for some great Victorian furniture.This particular sale featuring this Meeks sofa i
Rosewood Parlor Table attr. Meeks
Not sure if this is truly a Meeks table as the seller attributes it to. I could not find any table in my reference books that have a similar stretcher basket of nuts and leaves nor have the mini-urns. If I were to buy a
Alexander Roux Chairs with Interesting Provenance
Here's a pair of chairs attributed to Alexander Roux with some exceptional carving and prominent crests. The most interesting aspect of the chairs is their provenance. I've included a bit of the text below, but I would r
John Henry Belter "Rosalie" Parlor Chairs
Here's a beautiful Rosalie-related set of Belter chairs, including the arm chair and 3 side chairs. It appears that this is a Rosalie variation "with grapes". All have reasonably nice matching fabric. It's hard to see if
Ebonized Aesthetic Pedestal
Up for bidding is an excellent c. 1870s Aesthetic Pedestal from an unidentified maker. It has many attributes of a very fine piece: burl walnut panels, detailed inlay work, and gold incising. I wouldn't be surprised if i
7-piece John Henry Belter Rosalie with Grapes Parlor Set
It's not often that you see a 7-piece set of Belter furniture come up for sale together. This is Belter's Rosalie with Grapes pattern, circa 1850, consisting of a sofa, gentleman's arm chair, meridienne and four side cha
John Jelliff Sofa with Carved Bust Armrests
Up for sale is a John Jelliff sofa with armrests adorned with carved female profiles. This sofa has a floating central back area to the typical Renaissance three part back. Bidding starts at $4,750 and can be seen here.
John Henry Belter Slipper Chair
Up for bidding is a Rosewood pierced slipper chair by John Henry Belter. Chairs of identical overall form with variations in the carved detail can be seen in both "The Furniture of John Henry Belter and the Rococo Reviva
1886 George Hunzinger Chair
Here's a great George Hunzinger signed chair made of Walnut measuring 32" by 19". Bidding starts at $1,500 with shipping at $109. This auction ends on April 2nd and can be seen here.
Meeks Stanton Hall Sofa
Up for sale is a Meeks Stanton Hall Pattern rosewood sofa. There isn't much condition information but I can see nicks and scratches in the legs, arms and skirt. Bidding starts at $4,125 and expected range is $12,500 to $
Ferdinando Aesthetic Ivory Inlaid Table
Here is a very complex and detailed table with ivory, silver, copper, and mother of pearl inlays. The cherub scene in the middle of the table can't be missed. The table is surrounded rather than supported by four caryati
John Henry Belter Rosalie Pattern Sofa
I have never seen this from Belter before - a solid laminated back to the sofa - all rosewood. The pattern is Rosalie (no grapes) Circa 1850. Dimensions 39"h x 82"l x 32"d. Bidding starts at $3,000 and expected range is
Signed Mitchell & Rammelsberg Renaissance Revival Bedroom Set
Here is a two-piece signed Mitchell & Rammelsberg Renaissance Revival bedroom set with gothic design elements. This set is of monumental dimensions with each piece measuring over 9 1/4 feet tall. Bidding ends the 24t
Pair of John Henry Belter Rosalie Armchairs
I'm not partial to the yellow fabric but here's a nice pair of Belter Rosalie pattern armchairs with floral and fruit carved frames and molded cabriole arms and legs. Bidding will start at $2,000 with expected range to b
Oak Gothic Toby/Tobey China Cabinet
Here's a great Gothic Revival china cabinet/closet attributed to Charles Toby/Tobey, a Chicago furniture maker that survived the panic of 1857, the three-year depression that followed, and the 1871 Chicago fire. I have s
Herter Brothers Clock ca. 1875
I guess this is clock month. I did a posting on a gargantuan R.J. Horner grandfather clock here that closed at $29,000 and now here is a rare Herter Brothers clock. There is no mistaking that this is a Herter due to the
Signed Herter Brothers Aesthetic Dresser
A couple pieces of furniture from Herter Brothers are coming up for auction: a Maple Victorian Sideboard and the above pictured Aesthetic Dresser. Both are signed "Herter Bros."The dresser is from the last quarter 19th c
John Henry Belter Armchair Needs a Home
Excuse the humor in the title but since I usually post about extravagant high-end furniture in phenomenal condition, I thought I'd profile a famous-maker piece in need of some TLC. In this case we have a laminated Belter
Meeks Rosewood Center Table
It's been a bit quiet on the online auction front with respect to high-caliber pieces up for sale. I've been scouring for some to blog about and I'm finding a bunch of false, wishful, attributions. Here's a Rosewood Cent
R. J. Horner Blog Launched
If you're a fan of everything R.J. Horner, be sure to check out my new R.J. Horner-only blog launched at rjhorner.com Since there was so much interest in his items, I broke it out separately so that Horner fans who don't
John Henry Belter Child's Chair
So what does the consummate Belter collector acquire when they thought they had everything covered? Why, a child's chair of course! This laminated rosewood chair has an amazing 28 1/2" height and a diminutive 11" seat he
R.J. Horner Winged Griffin 12 Foot Dining Table
As usual, Bradford's Antiques has yet another great piece of R. J. Horner furniture for sale. This time it's a 12 foot dining table with four 20" leaves which are skirted and carved to match the carvings on the table top
Modern Gothic Kimbel & Cabus Desk c.1870
My (Victorian Era) antique collection includes a mishmash of Rococo, Renaissance, Aesthetic, Elizabethan and Neo-Grec pieces, but I'm conspicuously missing Gothic. I'm a big fan of Gothic design, but I haven't run across
John Henry Belter "Fountain Elms" Pattern Side Chair
Here is a beautiful rosewood John Henry Belter "Fountain Elms" pattern side chair up for auction for the next few days. I would have blogged about this chair earlier but the pictures on the listing are very dark and don'
c1850 John Jelliff Lady's Writing Desk
I think we're all used to seeing pieces done by John Jelliff in the forms of sofas and chairs, most with the trademark carved arms with figures of animals and humans. Here is a lady's writing desk attributed to Jelliff a
Herter Brothers Inlaid Aesthetic Movement Table
Several visitors have come to the site looking for Herter pieces so I am profiling this parlor table attributed to Herter Brothers by the seller, Bradfords Antiques. I will leave the description to Bradfords below, but w
Charles A. Boudoine Laminated Rosewood Sofa ca. 1855
I have a recently acquired habit of collecting sofas. I have more sofas than I have space to put them in. A recently purchased Jelliff sits in my garage while a Belter scroll sofa sits at a right angle to a French rococo
Néo-grec Cabinet with Wedgewood Plaques
Up for bidding is a 1870's Renaissance Revival cabinet with wedgewood plaques. According to the seller, the cabinet is mahogany with pine on the back with bronze ormolu mounts, brass trimming, gilt incising, and an inlay
Hunzinger Duplex Spring Lollipop Chair
This "Lollipop Chair" is probably the most recognizable George Hunzinger creation. The patented duplex spring on this chair is unique to Hunzinger's work and aids the weekend antique store shopper in identifying his rock
Alexander Roux and Joseph Cabus Collaboration
Alexander Roux and Joseph Cabus had a brief (1852) collaboration on furniture in the form of A. Roux & Co. before Joseph began working with Anthony Kimbel (ie. Kimbel & Cabus). This labeled piece from Roux/Cabus
Mahogany NeoClassical Center Table w/ Caryatid Figures
Up for sale is a c. 1890 center table probably made in N.Y. and possibly by Herter Brothers. The legs are terminated by four ebonized and gilded caryatids. The curved stretcher ends in a gilded urn. You can buy-it-now fo
R.J. Horner Oak Griffin Desk
I've had several recent posts dealing with R.J. Horner items and this is primarily due to two things: one, a significant number of visitors to my site/blog are looking for R.J. Horner items, and two, there have been a ra
R. J. Horner Style Quartersawn Oak Griffin Sideboard
If you are a fan of R. J. Horner, you will love this Quartersawn, heavily carved sideboard. Although it is not being attributed to R.J. Horner, the quality, style and carvings are very representative of his work. If you
R. J. Horner Oak 12 Piece Dining Set
Up for sale is an R.J. Horner 12 pc. Oak Dining Room Set with a 60" round split pedestal banquet table with leaves and full carved winged griffins. There is a matching sideboard, triple bow glass china and 8 dining chair
John Henry Belter Henry Clay Reference Set Sale Results
In January we profiled the upcoming sale of 7 pieces from the reference set for John Henry Belter's "Henry Clay" pattern here . The sale completed today with hammer prices far exceeding the expected ranges in all cases.
Our New Top Ten List
Check out our new "Top Ten Signs You Should Have Lived During the Victorian Age". It's aim is to have some fun with the sometimes Victorian-obsessed with a little humor. We hope to update the list periodically and would
Victorian Bone Marquetry Rosewood Side Cabinet
This rosewood bone marquetry etagere sold today via Weschler's Live Auction and I was the unexpected lucky bidder. It went for $950 with an additional $213.75 for the buyers premium. I was not in the market for another e
Museum Quality Antiques Auction
Antiquarian Traders has a 1343 lot auction scheduled for February 8th and it will include some of the most famous names in furniture making from the Victorian era. 28 items up for bid by R.J. Horner or Horner Brothers, 1
R.J. Horner Griffin Sofa
Up for sale is a R.J. Horner Carved Griffin Sofa with griffins that are an impressive 21" tall. The griffins also have the tell-tale rat tail (say that 3 times fast!) that was common on R.J. Horner pieces. The dimensions
Belter Parlor Furniture - Reference Set for the "Henry Clay" Pattern
Up for auction from St. Charles Galleries, Inc. are 7 pieces of John Henry Belter's "Henry Clay" pattern parlor furniture. The exciting part of this sale is that these pieces are being deaccessioned from "Ashland," The E
1880's Victorian Billiard Chandelier
As someone that collects Victorian Furniture for a Victorian home, modern or even "restoration" reproduction lighting ends up looking out of place so I have installed and display many pieces of period lighting. Here is o
Pottier and Stymus Labeled Walnut Bedstead
Up for auction on February 3rd from the New Orlean's-based Neal Auction Company is an impressive Renaissance Bedstead attributed to Pottier and Stymus. I have blogged about several of the other items in this particular a
Belter and Meeks Chairs
Up for auction are two Belter Rosewood Slipper Chairs similar to the one found on p. 56 of "The Furniture of John Henry Belter and the Rococo Revival" by Schwartz, Stanek, and True. Bidding starts at $3,000 and expected
Alexander Roux, Pottier & Stymus Tables
Up for auction from the Neal Auction Company is a Walnut Center Table attributed to Alexander Roux. What is interesting are the Jelliff-like Minerva busts and the wolf masques that adorn the legs and skirt. Starting pric
Pottier & Stymus Aesthetic Pedestal
Up for auction is a fine pedestal being attributed to Pottier & Stymus by the seller. Auction runs until February 1st and is starting at $1,125 (reserve is not met). Auction can be seen here.Seller's Description:All
Belter "Scroll" Pattern Laminated Rosewood Sofa
Up for auction is a Belter "Scroll" pattern sofa, ca. 1850-1860. Examples of matching chair can be seen in "The Furniture of John Henry Belter and the Rococo Revival" book by Schwartz, Stanek, and True, p. 50.Belter furn
Rosewood Rococo Sofa, But Not Belter
Pictured to the left is a very nice Rococo sofa made in the 1850-1860 time period. Since this particular sofa is solid rosewood, it is of a quality level that is above much of the furniture of the time, but it is not a B
Henkels Open Pierced Chairs
A pair of George Henkels (attr.) pierced chairs has come up for auction with a starting bid of $1,500 each. The lister describes them as such:"The top crest is lovely with 3 carved roses and 8 other flowers and leaves. O
Meeks Stanton Hall Sofa - $7,500
Another Meeks Stanton Hall sofa is available for sale here. This one seems to be fairly priced at $7,500 and the pictures show no noticeable cracks, splits or repairs.
Merklin Table
Although the lister named the photograph "hunz.jpg", a reference to George Hunzinger, I believe they got it right when they listed it as a Merklen. Both Hunzinger and Merklin favored the twisted legs and the brass ball a
3 Piece Bedroom Attr. Horner
I'm not certain that the seller's attribution of this mahogany 3-piece bedroom set to R.J. Horner is correct, but it is proving to be a hot auction. The 10th bid currently stands at $5,100 and the auction runs until Janu
Meeks Stanton Hall 7-piece Parlor Set
Up for auction from Fontaine's Auction Gallery is a 7-piece Meeks Parlor set in the Stanton Hall pattern and can be seen on page 99 in American Furniture of the 19th Century by Eileen and Richard Dubrow. Starts at $7,500
Rosewood Etagere Attr. Meeks
Upcoming auction for a Rosewood pierced and laminated etagere attributed to J & J Meeks offered by Fontaine's Auction Gallery. A very similar etagere is shown attributed to Meeks on p. 144 of American Furniture of th
John Henry Belter Chaise
Upcoming auction for a John Henry Belter Chaise Lounge from Grandview Antiques & Auctions. An identical (though double) labeled chaise by Belter is found on p. 120 of the book, American Furniture of the 19th Century
Welcome!
I'm going to attempt to cover the world of Rare Victorian furniture listings on the Internet. As a big fan of furniture by famous makers such as John Henry Belter, Herter Brothers, RJ Horner, J & JW Meeks and others,