English Regency Gonçalo Alves Low Etagere or Two-Tier Stand with Drawer, c. 1815

An unusually fine English Regency circa 1815 'Gonçalo alves' or 'Kingwood' library stand, dwarf etagere, or whatnot of rectangular two-tier form, the top and lower section with drawer supported by turned finial-topped stiles ending in original brass casters. Height given is to top of finials; height to top shelf is 22.75"; height to top of lower tier is 11.13".

This piece is exceptional and extremely curious in that 'Gonçalo alves', also known as 'Kingwood', a hardwood native to Brazil and known to have been among the most expensive of woods used in 18th and 19th century British and European cabinetmaking, would be used to construct in its entirety (meaning veneers and turned stiles) what would be considered such a 'practical' piece of furniture, as opposed to the more expected 'ornamental' piece', as it was typically used sparingly for inlay and very rarely a whole piece of furniture given its cost.* Furthermore, kingwood veneers were not typically used in broad swathes as evidenced here as it is want to split and warp given its grain structure, also evidenced here through its repairs, however non-detracting.

*Stuart, Susan. 'Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840', Vol. II., Woodbridge: Antique Collectors’ Club, 2008. p. 150.