Table Attribution
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Antique Furniture Attributions thread on victorianforum.com · started March 30, 2009 by plb1257 · 4 posts, 2 image attachments · discussion in 2009.
Does anyone out there have the knowledge to give an attribution to a table. It seems nicer than the garden variety center table but not good enough to be Meeks or Belter. Could it be someone else? The marble top is inset
Does anyone out there have the knowledge to give an attribution to a table. It seems nicer than the garden variety center table but not good enough to be Meeks or Belter. Could it be someone else? The marble top is inset
Hi PLB,
Welcome to the message boards!
Very nice walnut rococo table you have. These tables or similar ones were made in most of the major cities in US so a specific attribution is very difficult. There were so many cabinet makers that the majority of Victorian furniture simply cannot be attributed to a specific maker. Suffice to say that your table exhibits much hand work and it looks like it's in great original condition. I like to appreciate a piece of furniture like this on its own merits rather than fuss too much about who made it. It makes a bold statement and it's certainly a piece to be proud to have in your home.
Welcome to the message boards!
Very nice walnut rococo table you have. These tables or similar ones were made in most of the major cities in US so a specific attribution is very difficult. There were so many cabinet makers that the majority of Victorian furniture simply cannot be attributed to a specific maker. Suffice to say that your table exhibits much hand work and it looks like it's in great original condition. I like to appreciate a piece of furniture like this on its own merits rather than fuss too much about who made it. It makes a bold statement and it's certainly a piece to be proud to have in your home.
I'm with Zeke on his points.
I also might be able to provide a region for the manufacture of your table: Baltimore.
According to Furniture Made in Maryland, 1740-1940, the difference between New York and Baltimore tables was the following:
- Serpentine tops were popular in both cities, but the apron was solid and had simple carvings in Baltimore.
- Baltimore tables had carved pendants at the ovolo corners
- The principle difference is the Baltimore tables having a turned center shaft, rather than 4 legs at the corners ("often carved with melon-like reeding")
I also might be able to provide a region for the manufacture of your table: Baltimore.
According to Furniture Made in Maryland, 1740-1940, the difference between New York and Baltimore tables was the following:
- Serpentine tops were popular in both cities, but the apron was solid and had simple carvings in Baltimore.
- Baltimore tables had carved pendants at the ovolo corners
- The principle difference is the Baltimore tables having a turned center shaft, rather than 4 legs at the corners ("often carved with melon-like reeding")
Wow, Thank you both very much! plb