Posted 9 years ago
MartyLaw
(1 item)
We bought this interesting piece, but have no idea what it was used for originally. The holes in the back of original, but the lighter wood has been added to cover the holes. One door opens in the front, the other opens on the end. Six drawers are behind two drop down doors. It measures 46-1/2 x46-1/2
Hi MartyLaw!
So sorry it took a year or so for anyone to give you a clue about this terrific piece!
The primary veneers are clearly Mahogany set inside what might be Ebony or darkly stained Walnut. The geometric parquetry patterns appear to be of alternating Satinwood (lighter) and perhaps Ebony or Walnut again (darker).
It is difficult to determine much more from your photos - none are closeup, straight on, or oriented in a particularly natural fashion. Also, the piece appears to be still a bit dusty from your find; so altogether, it makes it more difficult to hazard even a guess on the near Period of your piece.
All of that being said, I'm fairly certain that you've acquired what would have been a low or low-to-low/moderate-end Radio-Phonograph Cabinet dating from possibly 1890-1935 -IF that middle drawer pulls out and/or the top lifts up. There would have been a Monophonic Speaker set to emit sound from that larger circular hole that's covered. The other holes would have provided outlets for electric and other wires/connectors and to provide circulation of air to cool the mass tube array. Other frontal spaces would have accommodated your Phonograph Recording collection and possibly your Phonograph Recorder. Side compartments and top-side would commonly store bar equipment - Bakelite-handled Chrome/Aluminum/Stainless/Lucite Ice Bucket sitting on top (that's my ultra-active imagination taking over!).
Truly hope this has somehow been helpful to you, if only to provide a thread you might unravel towards further research (presuming you still have the piece, even).
Please, most kindly, update me if you've made further progress. It is an attractive piece that I hope will prosper in your care.
Thanks!