A large mahogany sarcophagus or timber box, the hinged box with…
click the photo to enlarge
A large mahogany sarcophagus or timber box, the hinged box with a stepped lid above a squared box with reeded and tapering pilasters and raised on a breakfront plinth base. Height 56 cm. Width 57 cm. Depth 49 cm

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.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Mahogany - Mahogany is a dense, close grained red-coloured timber from the West Indies and Central America. It was first imported into Europe in the the early 18th century and its use continued through the 19th century. It was popular for furniture making because of its strength, the wide boards available, the distinctive grain on some boards, termed flame mahogany and the rich warm colour of the timber when it was polished.. The "flame" was produced where a limb grew out from the trunk of the tree, and this timber was usually sliced into veneers for feature panels on doors, backs and cornices.

    Some terms used to describe mahogany relate to the country from which it originally came, such as "Cuban" mahogany, "Honduras" mahogany etc. However unless the wood has been tested the names assigned are more a selling feature, rather than a true indication of the timber's origin.
  • Reeding - A series of parallel, raised convex mouldings or bands, in section resembling a series of the letter 'm'. The opposite form of fluting, with which it is sometimes combined. Reeding is commonly found on chair legs, either turned or straight, on the arms and backs of chairs and couches and around table edges in the Neoclassical or Classical Revival manner. Reeding was also used as a form of decoration during the Edwardian period, but it is usually much shallower and evidently machine made.
  • Pilasters - In furniture a pilaster is a flattened column-like detail

    applied to furniture. It is similar to a pilaster in architecture, but it is

    typically smaller and less ornate. Pilasters are often used to decorate the

    fronts of bookcases, cabinets, and other pieces of furniture. Pilasters can be

    made of wood, metal, or other materials. They can be fluted, carved, or plain.

    Pilasters are often used to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to

    furniture.

  • Plinth - The square or rectangular base of a piece of cabinet furniture, often ornamented with moulding. The plinth may be separate, as in some wardrobes or presses, and act as the support for the carcase. In a false plinth, the moulded boards may be attached directly to the piece. Furniture with a plinth base usually does not have separate feet. The term derives from architecture where it denotes the base of a column or statue.
  • Breakfront - A design generally found in larger pieces of furniture, such as bookcases, wardrobes and some sideboards. The line of the front is interrupted by the middle section standing out from each end. In a reverse breakfront, the centre section is recessed behind each end. Breakfronted pieces are usually made in three sections the middle and the two wings which are held together by the cornice and pediment, and the plinth on which it stands. The sensible buyer should show caution before buying breakfront pieces, especially bookcases, which are highly desirable and expensive. Always check that the timber, colour, patination, backboards, decoration and thickness of the wood are same in each section.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

Victorian cedar cabinet, with inside shelves, 41 30 101

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A French Henri II oak twin pedestal writing desk, the top with inset leather and moulded edge above a front well carved with three nude woman in the midst of snakes, flanked by Corinthian pilasters, the reverse with knee hole flanked by drawers and panel d

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Antique English Georgian oak corner cabinet, c1800's approx 88 cm high, 58 cm wide, 31 cm deep

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

Antique French carved oak coffer, carved in relief to the central front panel with a figure on horse back, approx 60 cm high, 86 cm wide, 48 cm deep

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.