August Americana
Description:
The Susan Bainbridge Classical Carved Mahogany and Mahogany Veneer Dressing Table, possibly Joseph Barry (1757-1838),Philadelphia, c. 1820, a mirror glass supported by carved figural posts and peaked crest above the rectangular top with flanking lift-top compartmented boxes, on a shallow case of three short drawers joining four shaped frontal legs carved with rosettes and acanthus leaves and ending in hairy paw feet, all joined by a shaped platform to the rear turned and spiral-carved legs and pierced splats, old refinish, ht. 62 1/4 in.
Provenance: By descent from Susan Syleger Bainbridge, wife of Commodore William Bainbridge of the United States Navy, who commanded the USS Constitution and was victorious over the HMS Java in a famous naval battle during the war of 1812.
Estimate $6,000-8,000
secondary woods are cedar and pine. The piece has an old and glossy finish that should be removed. The top has superficial scratches and minor veneer cracks due to shrinkage. The brass liner on the mirror frame is bent. There needs to be some adjustment to the mirror supports. They don't work properly. Some of the dividers and tops of the fitted top drawers are missing. We have not seen a dressing table like this before. A talented furniture restorer could vastly improve the piece.
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Joseph Barry, Susan Syleger Bainbridge, PhiladelphiaStephen L. Fletcher
Partner/Executive Vice President and Chief Auctioneer
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3000
Christopher D. Fox
Vice President
Director, Historic Arms & Militaria
Associate Deputy Director, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3200
Paul O’Hara
Business Administrator, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3224
American Furniture & Decorative Arts
From the heart of New England, the American Furniture & Decorative Arts department regularly uncovers treasures with rich and enduring history and hosts auctions to world-wide renown.