American Empire Book Matched Mahogany Chest of 4 Drawers Ca. 1830-40

American Empire 4 Drawer Chest of Drawers with exquisite Book Matched Mahogany veneer Ca. The book matched veneer is the finest example you will see except in an older Rolls Royce. Each time a log is turned, a layer matches the previous layer.

Experienced craftsmen select the best match from a selection of veneer. This is the secret of the finest wood work. Jaguar did that until they were bought by Ford. I knew a man whom Ford sent to Jaguar to work in every department, as a spy.. He was the first man Ford fired, as they replaced real wood with plastic which i call Ford wood.

I assume that specialist went to work for Rolls Royce.. History was simply repeating what happened between 1840 and 1890 in a 1990 way. My point is, use these photos to judge other 19th century American Empire. The 84 year old Lady I acquired this from in the 1980's told me the knobs are sandwich glass. They are on the top drawers, but missing from botton drawer, as is the bone key surround on bottom drawer. Last photo shows an 1833 Joseph Meeks catalogue with very similar style. This is Very solid and is hanging in my home. Wood back is rugged and protects the very thick mirror glass. Mahogany veneer has flaked in some places, so although this is very sound and solid, It would be best to properly restore and refinish it.

The 1833 advertisement shows the furniture that would have been in a home with this mirror. I have other 19th century antiques.

NOTE, beware of other ads for American Empire. This is original and a standard to judge others by. This style lasted about 10 years, and about 1840 was replaced by more ornate styles without the flame mahogany veneer. The fine trees were growing scarce; but architecture changed from Greek Revival to ornate, Victorian, Queen Anne, and others that needed more dainty or ornate furniture. It came around again every 30-50 years, but 1890's Empire revival or the 1920's version just do not have the quality of flame mahogany veneer as the original.

If you see an ad for 19th century American Empire, compare it with this picture, If it has straight grain veneer, it is likely 1890's Empire revival; though no one ver named it as that. Please contact me directly for more details. You may inquire 1954JAGUARS, or 1954JAGPART. Please give me your address.

---