Posted 12 years ago
cindyjune
(232 items)
I came across this piece of furniture today. The handles and keyholes are brass and both the drawer and the cabinet locks. I don't know if it is part of a washstand or secretary? Does anyone know?
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Nice burl in the top drawer & I like wood with blemishes as in the lower part. Almost Shaker in design. Could be either of your guesses or stand alone.
Thanks, blunderbuss. I should have photographed the top as there are holes in the corners as though something was there. The burl is veneer, I wonder if it is Victorian style. I just liked it (I say that about a lot of things) and shelled out $2 for it! A marble top might look nice.
If the holes are in each corner, that would easily point toward a secretary buy of course all is speculation.
Looks like the top part of a secretary displayed upside down. The molding on the bottom (as seen in your photos) would look "correct" on the top.
If you look closely, I you will probably find that the key locks on the double doors are upside down.
Flip it over (and the drawer) and I think you will see it how it was originally, minus the bottom of the desk.
scott
Interesting theory Scott & appears reasonable. Having made a number of pieces of hand fitted furniture, if any of my drawers fit correctly when flipped over would be a true coincidence. Only 1 way to know cindyjune! If that works, it would make me lean toward machine made. That may also indicate that the holes in the top are really for feet as a drawer would never be located right on the deck. Good observation Scott. I didn't notice the key holes were upside-down to the norm. You must have a better smoke.
Omigosh Scottvez, you are correct! The keyholes in the doors are upside down the way I have it! This is so cool! Thank you so much!! blunderbuss, thank you for helping me figure this out! So, maybe is goes on a desk or something? This is really great, and believe me the piece looks so much better right side up!
Cindy-- your piece was made to sit on top of another piece.
If you do an online search for "antique secretary" or "stepback cupboard"-- you will see some possibilities. I'd lean toward a secretary since it has the drawer at the bottom.
The style of pulls and lock covers, as well as the burl wood is indicative of late 19th century (1860s- 1890s). A photograph of the side of the drawer showing the dovetails should confirm.
scott
Thanks Scott, I will start my search this morning. You and blunder are both very knowledgeable and I appreciate your help. I'll post an update when I find something. I'll post a photo of the dovetails.
Glad to help out cindy!
scott
What a great story. It does look 'right' the other way up.
Lovely bit of furniture.
That would make a great Liquor Cabinet! =) Love it!
Need to get with this poster:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/98594-hutch?in=activity
Depending on size and with hardware replacements-- it may work!
scott
scottvez you are a great furniture detective! Although the pieces have different hardware they sure look similar. I was looking at my piece the other day saying I should get rid of it but now you have me thinking again! And Tom61375, I agree, a great liquor cabinet!
Thank you all.