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Fine Federal Inlaid Cherry Sideboard, 1810

Offered by: Carswell Rush Berlin Antiques

Description
The oblong top with string inlaid at the edges, above a conforming case with two short drawers above a central long drawer flanked by bottle drawers above an apron that dips in the center with a central oval fan inlay. The drawers are inlaid and edged with lightwood stringing with period bale-handle pulls with stamped brass back plates. The case is flanked by reserves of mahogany inlay above the legs. The legs with a single bellflower inlay at the top of the front legs and outlined with stringing down to the cross-banded cuff.

This diminutive sideboard relates to a group of sideboards attributed to Thomas Howard, Jr. of Pawtuxet and the circle of cabinetmakers, some related to Howard, who worked closely together at the beginning of the 19th century near Providence, Rhode Island. Though conforming in many ways, it is distinct from the other known examples which have a pair of central cabinet doors flanked by pairs of short drawers and are made in mahogany. This model has an oval fan inlay on its apron, seemingly identical to one used by Newport cabinetmaker John Townsend (1732-1809), on a set of four card tables c. 1800, rather than the crossed sprigs inlay typically associated with this group.

Christopher Monkhouse notes in American Furniture in Pendleton House that "a dozen or more" sideboards of this small type are known. Four are in public collections including: at Pendleton House (RISD), the Rhode Island Historical Society, Yale University Art Gallery and Colonial Williamsburg.

More Information

Origin:	United States, Rhode Island
Period:	19th Century
Condition:	Excellent. Brass pulls are period replacements. Refinished with shellac in the manner of the period.
Creation Date:	1810
Styles / Movements:	Federal, Hepplewhite, Sheraton
Dealer Reference #:	SB-FH-1406131
Incollect Reference #:	106446