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.
Awesome. This is so0o helpful. Lots to digest.
One follow up question: “Is there a best search engine/method, and would using the the time period and parts names help in finding more examples similar to my washstand?”
After posting this, I did some more looking on Google Images using the terms “golden oak,” “washstand” and “Ohio”, and came across this blog where someone found another similar piece in an antique store in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
At first, I thought they were maybe from the same manufacturer, but now after your post, I realize that the cabinetmaker/manufacturer could simply have used the same pattern book. I’d like to find if there are more examples.