We have recently acquired a most desirable piece in this Walnut Veneered example with Pine Secondary wood. This example is pictured in the 1931 work: Southern Antiques by Paul H. Burroughs. The veneer pattern on the door fronts match the photo in the book. The piece has two curved doors with a curved central drawer, all with inlay work, with the left and right side banks of drawers beginning at the top with a felt-lined silver drawer and ending at the bottom in large cellarettes. Measurements are 49″ tall by 71-3/4″ wide, by 24-1/4″ deep. 8 tapered legs support the piece. Additional inlay work is found on the backsplash with two carved medallions on the top.
Burroughs writes of the piece:
PLATE IX. Sheraton-Shaped Front Sideboard – Walnut (Georgia – C. 1795-1800). This sideboard resembles the design of the Brothers Adam and was used by Sheraton; and it is reasonable to suppose that it was made in the later period. Finely grained native walnut is used as veneer, and four such pieces of this type have been found. Though odd in shape, are all of excellent workmanship. (Property of C.G. Wyatt)
Our review of the piece by local antique furniture experts suggests an alternative. Several experts have strongly suggested that this piece is in fact the work of noted Fayette County cabinetmaker Robert Wilson, who was an Englishman who arrived in Fayette county around 1792 and soon begin a partnership with Porter Clay in late 1807- famous Kentuckian Statesman Henry Clay’s brother. In January of 1808, however, notice was given that the partnership was dissolved…Porter Clay writes of Wilson:
“[a craftsman] whose qualifications I conceive to be inferior to none in the western country”
Wilson later moved his shop to another location on the south side of Main Street in Lexington.
Availability
Price is available on request. Complimentary White Glove Delivery Service for the lower 48 United States.
References:
Southern Antiques, Paul H. Burroughs, 1931, Crown Publishers
http://www.mesdajournal.org/2014/porter-clay-a-excellent-cabinetmaker-part-one-biographical-account/
https://www.history.ky.gov/pdf/Publications/chronicle_summer09.pdf
