M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES & FINE ARTS
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"THE TOPS..."
Usually when we describe a chest or table, we describe – and photograph – the front, or eye-level view – bow front, 2-over three, drop-leaf, etc. From a distance, that is what we see. However, when we move into closer proximity, what we actually see are not the fronts - but the tops.
Table and chest tops with great inlay or figuration to the wood can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. They also can add greatly to the value of the piece – particularly if they retain a good aged patina – which Israel Sack described as “...built from all the effects, natural and man-made, that create a true antique”.
Here are few great tops from our stock, as well as the bottoms that go with them :
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Highly Figured George II/III Mahogany 2-Drawer Side Table, England, c1760 with pierced foliate fretwork corner brackets The dramatic figuration of these crossbanded veneers is almost pictorial, transforming an otherwise simple side table into art, with wonderful movement, proportion and color.
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Charles II - William & Mary Walnut Candlestand England, c1670-1690 with dished octagonal top and base, twist standard and compressed bun feet; wonderful "patina" This top held candles longer than we have had light bulbs. The burns and stains to the wood depict its use and those who used it over 300 years ago. They should not be removed or disguised.
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Good William & Mary Walnut Veneered Chest England, c1695 This chest features a beautifully figured "quarter-veneered" (4 matched and mirroring veneers), crossbanded and featherbanded top over two short and three long featherbanded drawers; the sides are also quarter-veneered, featherbanded and crossbanded - unusual in a provincial chest. Its beauty speaks for itself.
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Fine George III Diminutive Bow-Fronted Chest With Brushing Slide, England, c1790-1800 Of desirable small size with excellent timber and color, the secondary woods also of mahogany. Rather than veneers, as 2 of the above examples, this is a solid piece of dense well figured mahogany, probably Cuban or Jamaican. This chest is also pure and unrefinished.
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Northern Italian Marquetry Writing Table Italy, late 18th century The sliding top above an antique leather-covered slide, retracting to reveal a well, fitted with 5 small drawers This fruitwood surface is intricately inlaid with contrasting woods depicting the legend Angelique & the Hippogriffe - a symbol of the impossibility of love - among other neoclassical and mythological symbols to the top and frieze. It tells a story as well as becoming fine art from woods.
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George II Provincial Mahogany Lowboy, England, c1750 with unusually carved cabochon knees to the cabriole legs. The swirls and movement to the wood, as well as the variation of color, are of a more subtle nature on this small lowboy. Yet they still provide a sweep that takes the eye on a journey, as a painter would direct you through a painting.
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Irish George II Mahogany Tea Table Ireland, c1750 With dished tray top of well figured mahogany having re-entrant corners, above a plain frieze with two
end drawers and convex ruffled apron, the
cabriole legs ending in pad feet; rich old
finish. tea service still visible on the top. A tea table without stains has been stripped down.
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ALSO SEE : (a short discussion of patina on tops)
We welcome and encourage all inquiries. We will make every attempt to answer any questions you might have.
For information, call (901) 761-1163 or (901) 827-4668 or email mfcreech@bellsouth.net
American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Discover accepted
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