Years ago, I received the furniture shown in the linked photos as a family heirloom.
[img]https://goo.gl/photos/SsZvoj23pag8gYus6[/img]
i am now trying to find information on this piece. For example:
1) Who is (or is likely) the maker/manufacturer (name, region, location, etc.)?
2) If they are no longer in business, what became of them (sold off to ___, closed shop, etc.)?
3) Where can I find or what are the collector’s/woodworker’s terms for:
(a) the 4 horizontal “cigar rolls” in its design?
(b) the “buttons” on the ends of the top roll?
(c) the “entablature” at the top of the mirror frame? …and
(d) the vase-shaped pilasters with fluted capitals?
And, where do all these elements come from? From what I have found so far, they are “American Empire” but I can’t find anything more on them.
4) Also, from what I have found, this peice:
— may be from the 1890’s…Does that sound about right?
— may have been originally sold as part of a bedroom set…Is that correct/reasonable?
— may have been “a lady’s washstand” given the low height of the mirror…Is that plausible?
And, why do you think the way you do on each of these possibilities? I think that would be very helpful, thank you.
5) OOOPS, I almost forgot: Do you know of any resources (books, price guides, etc.) where I can find out more on this washstand, its maker, its elements, its original context, etc.? If so, I’d really appreciate your help identifying such resources.
NOTE: My grandfather refinished it with “orange shellac” and replaced most of the original hardware (handles, swivel pulls, hinges). He and my grandmother used the cabinet as a sideboard in their breakfast room. The mirror frame, its applied carvings, the original wood casters (broken and whole), and mirror were stored separately and I still have them.
1st: Let me try an help you: You need to cut and paste the URL that I provided into the command line (aka Address, Location, or Website Bar) of your browser. I’ve done that as an anonymous (not logged in) Websurfer before i posted, and again just now, and it works on the Mac, iPad, and iPhone that I tried it on. Please let me know if you are still having trouble after cutting and pasting the URL into the Address Bar! …keeping my fingers crossed, hoping it works for you.
2nd: Thank you for the advice on how common American golden oak washstands are as a population. And, how poorly documented are the manufacturers. That said, it is my only such piece so the challenge of learning as much as one can about it is still mine.
And, to that end, I think I should add that my grandparents lived in Lousiville, KY and i once saw a picture of a similar, but less ornate, piece I think it was located in either in Indiana or Ohio. As I recall, that other piece did not include a bow front nor mirror frame, and had straight pilasters instead of the the vase-shaped pilasters of mine. But did include the same claw feet and cigar rolls.