When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
RARE PAIR OF AMERICAN FEDERAL MAHOGANY KNIFE URNS, c.1805-1815
An exceptional matched pair of American Federal period knife urns in the Sheraton taste.
These are statement pieces for a formal dining room, entryway, or collector’s collection. Pairs with original lids and interiors are exceedingly rare to the market.
Details:
1. Date/Country: American, Federal period, c.1805-1815. Boston/Salem/New York/Philadelphia school
2. Style: In the manner of Thomas Sheraton, c.1791-1794 Cabinet-Maker’s Drawing-Book designs
3. Wood: Solid mahogany with rich original patina and color. Secondary wood is mahogany/tulip poplar, consistent with American Federal construction
4. Form: Classical urn form on turned stem and circular foot. Ovoid body carved with pendant swags, bellflower drops, and applied paterae. Pierced gallery with rosette paterae. Domed lid with gadrooned finial
5. Interior: Each fitted with 8 original compartments for knives and forks. Original lids with working fit
6. Construction: Pegged joinery, no dovetails. Solid mahogany bodies. American shop-made, not with lid: 22 in / 55.9 cm
Diameter of base: 7.6 in / 19.3 cm
Diameter of body: 9.5 in / 24.1 cm
Condition:
Original untouched surface with excellent period patina. Minor wear and small chip to one gallery rim consistent with 200+ years of age. Interior fittings original and intact.
Later felt applied to bases for protection. No evidence of refinishing or major repairs. These have never been stripped or The Cobb Fine Art Collection, Vienna VA. Private collection.
Notes for collectors:
Knife urns were the Federal-era equivalent of a silver chest. They held the household’s knives/forks at the dining table. Matched pairs with original lids, galleries, and interiors are museum-quality.
These are American Federal, not English George III, making them highly desirable to Americana to size, value, and fragility, these will ship via FedEx Freight or UShip with full insurance and custom crating. Buyer pays actual shipping cost. Local pickup available in Vienna VA. I will work with your shipper if inquiries welcome. Additional photos and condition details available on request. No returns on antiques of this age — please ask questions before offerding.
Priced for serious collector/decorator.
Will consider reasonable offers.
