Featured Desk Box 18th century

In keeping with my annual box pilgrimage, have my eye on this box at Pook, coming up in 2 days, this friday. Supposed to be American, supposed to have it's original hardware, if that is correct, I'd guess last quarter 18th century as the hardware is chippendale. Condition is good, one back board replaced, it ain't Ruth but, it ain't bad!

 

What a surprise inside. All that wonderful wood grain showing on the little wood drawers. Hope you are able to get it.

 

That's me. Being covetous!

 

Hi,
Me too Silverthwaith!!!!!
greg

 

I'm right there with you @silverthwait !!!!! James, that IS gorgeous!!!! Hope you win out getting it!!!!!

 

Yeah, we shall see, it has a ridiculous estimate, $200-300 and, already 6 bids on it. Thing is, without being able to see the box in person is a serious handicap & no one i know attending sale either so not going to worked up about it.

Ruth box didn't have this problem as it had a provenance, it was once owned by Florene Maine, a Connecticut dealer who was the first or one of the first female dealers to compete with the BIG BOYS (sack, nutting, etc) of her day.

 

Absolutely Gorgeous James !!! Keep my fingers crossed for you .. .. Joy.

 

Very nice box, James! Wishing you luck with it!

 

@James Conrad, is 25% BP high or average?? And do P & P use fairly low, generic price estimates?? That's what it kind of seemed like going all the way through the site!!! That estimate seems AWFULLY fair for what you want.....unless their estimates usually skyrocket!!!!!

Edit: Whilst I was typing, so were you and answered one of my questions!!!

 

Well, 25% is average these days, Pook is a quality house & tries to get close on estimate but they are not above throwing a tease estimate into the mix, you know, generate some BUZZ.
Thing is, if you look at description, it does not say american and nothing about hardware either so that tells me they aren't sure. I contacted them about that issue as it means a GREAT deal in price, here was emailed reply
3117
Table top desk
American. Original hardware. One backboard replaced.

Here is listing
https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/pook/chippendale-walnut-table-top-desk-18th-c-1215243

 

James, lovely little piece. I would agree American. Inside not as sophisticated as many English pieces. Graining on the right side interesting - almost looks painted on. Good luck.
Patd

 

LOL, well, i hope you are right! Still, when one considers the difference in price between english or american could easily be 10 times or more, hoping doesn't quite cut it.
It's not ALL american chauvinism that accounts for price difference but it is a major factor, no doubt. Fact is, american pieces of that era are much more rare, GB had a much larger population, much larger middle class as well, they weren't fighting indians, trying to survive on the frontier, bla bla bla.
Bottom line is, there are A LOT more objects still around from GB than America from this era, more rare = more valuable, simple as that.

 

It's very nice figured walnut, not quite burl but headed that way on entire box.

 

Wow, I really hope you get it, James. It is a gorgeous box.

 

Me too! but, not knowing it's origin is a serious problem and i'm willing to gamble a bit because even if english, it's a nice box but thousands is not gonna happen as i can't examine the box.

 

I browsed through the catalogue .. LOVELY Items !! But I'm rather partial to the Faberge silver and enamel box !!! maybe if my ship comes in ??? HaHaHa ... Joy.

 

whats the lot #? lets look at it!

Yes, auction houses are into their xmas sale period, trying to dislodge dollars from the shoppers. A bit of everything in these sales and not only at Pook either, all up and down eastern seaboard and west into Ohio at Garth's.

 

I'll go look for the lot # James .. I know it was within the first few pages .. Joy.

 

This one?

 

Odd to see a box like that in Cedar Falls Iowa!

https://www.bidsquare.com/online-au...tant-faberg-201-silver-and-enamel-box-1218951