American Neoclassical Mahogany and Gilded Sofa, New York, Circa 1820

United States Circa 1820

A “Grecian” sofa of superior quality and design exemplifying the height of refinement in New York City furniture making. It was created at a time of a rapidly expanding population whose most financially successful members had a desire to display their sophistication in household decor with the latest and most refined styles of the day. Similar examples are in museums and numerous reference books. The crest rail has oak leaf and acorn carving on each side panel with a central panel depicting a pair of cornucopia, a symbol of prosperity and abundance. The graceful reeded arms descend to rectangular panels of carved drapery swags with tassels. The dark green paw feet with carved gilded wings are design elements of the ancient classical furniture designs that had been excavated from the ruins of Greece and Rome in the late 18th and early 19th century. The previous upholstery was stripped off to reveal in tact muslin over a traditional type of horse hair and webbing foundation. If you like the firm seating as the originals would have had, all you need is some minor additional padding and final fabric. If you like a softer spring based seat then the existing seat foundation would have to be removed first.

Price

$9,500

Condition

Excellent. Retains some of its early finish, numerous small tack holes have been filled, some small areas of wood replacement, rear seat rail veneer is replaced. All in cosmetically pleasing condition

Measurements

Height: 34.5 in.
Second height: 18 in.
Width/Length: 7 ft. 10 in.
Depth: 27 in.