Early 20th Century English Dressing Table/Writing Desk
You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.
Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item
When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.
- Ball and Claw Feet - Are in the shape of a rounded ball, attached to the underside of the carcase by a wooden shank. Introduced during the late 17th century and found on furniture in the William and Mary and Queen Anne style, are commonly found on cabriole legs in the manner of Thomas Chippendale, and furniture imitating the mid-18th century Rococo style. The leg terminates in a ball held by a carved lion's or bird's claw.
- Cabriole Leg - The cabriole leg evolved from an elongated scroll, curving out at the knee which may or may not be carved, and forming a serpentine shape as it descends to the foot.
First introduced into English furniture in the late 17th century, cabriole legs were widely used during the Queen Anne and early Georgian periods, where they frequently terminated in a pad foot or ball and claw foot. The style has had many imitators since then. The cabriole leg was re-introduced in the mid-19th century, and is commonly associated with the balloon-back dining or drawing-room chairs made in walnut, mahogany or, in Australia, cedar. The Victorian cabriole leg, on the whole, was rather more slender than the earlier form, following the French style, which emphasized the delicacy and daintiness of the chairs they were designed to support. Cabriole legs are sometimes found on windsor chairs, especially those made during the 18th century.
Visually similar items
A Georgian mahogany sideboard, early 19th century, bow fronted with inlay to the outer edge of the top. The cabinet comprising two central drawers with inlay flanked by two outer opening doors and raised on turned tapered legs, 90 cm high, 121 cm wide, and
A George III Sheraton style mahogany tambour front sideboard, 97 cm high, 198 cm high, 68 cm deep
Fine antique period walnut lowboy, fitted with three drawers, approx 78.5 cm high, 107 cm wide, 47 cm depth
A George II walnut side table, second quarter 18th century, the dish top above single drawer, oak lined with compartments, the shaped apron on cabriole legs with fan carved pad feet, 75 cm wide, 51.5 cm deep, 70 cm high