Primitive Sideboard

unique sideboard here in Georgia.
anyone seen anything like this? I feel like I've seen the legs somewhere.

 

Circa 1900, I'd think. Odds are it's been messed with a bit, or more than a bit.

 

I think it was messed with around that time, as well as more recently, but looks earlier to me.

 

I doubt it is older than 1900. I would have put it more 1920-30 with that square back piece.

It's definitely seen better days. The doors don't match.
This might be a good candidate for painted furniture. And I rarely recommend painting wood.

 

I'm curious if the legs might be the signature of a specific community perhaps in the south..perhaps African American. that's where my interest lies. If the origin could be pinpointed, ("Pin Point" is one of those communities) the front might be worth dealing with.

 

Well,its not a "handmade" piece ,other than that it was well used and repaired a LOT. Are you sure the legs arent replaced as well?

 

Three of the front doors look like replacements. Someone went to a lot of trouble making that usable. The main body is factory made, and there's no way to know who did the repairs. No clue at all on the legs. They're ... weird for a Mission/arts and crafts piece.

 

I don't know about arts and crafts. it looks like a country made piece in walnut with late federal or empire elements. I'll know more tomorrow when I see it.

 

this should help. it's a southern piece from what I can tell. walnut and heart pine. cut nails.

 

Older than I thought, for certain. We have a few furniture gurus around who might know what's really going on there.

 

Agrees and, I LOVE PAINT!

Yes, legs/feet appear to be replaced, along with other stuff like doors. Additionally, 2 end doors have regular/hidden hinges while 2 center doors have exposed hinges, something ain't "right" there, like maybe drawers in center section?

I'd guess 2nd half 19th century, frame & panel construction which was typical for that time period but, it has been so "remodeled" over the years that paint could be it's only hope at this point.

 

I don't think I'd call this "primitive", it has more the look of a late Hepplewhite sideboard that got "remodeled" into something odd.

 

yes on the drawers. the legs and stiles are one piece and show the earliest patina, surviving a strip job.
James, do you know of any references for doing period style paint jobs? I was going to ask about this next. I thought putting that red back on might be nice. may have to make some drawers. in the meantime it's a new work table in the shop.

 

No, sorry I don't, i love the painted look if done correctly & know some dealers who specialize in taking old furniture to paint & some of it looks fabulous, but personally i have no clue about colors/decorating.
http://www.danandmarlenecoble.com/index.html

 

Weird on that leg, it looks like "tramp art". I would guess if legs are not replaced, someone cut those notches, i don't think they were originally like that.

 

Wasnt there a "movement" in the late 19th century at one point where they carved and gussied up plainer furniture? Maybe thats what this is.Hence all the confusing elements?

 

The Victorians sometimes "improved" much older pieces, so someone might have done that to the poor sideboard too. Paint might be just what the poor thing needs. I might leave the top natural and milk paint the rest.

 

In England YES! Don't know about here. Yes, looks like someone tried to "improve" this piece, I'd say it didn't work out real well.

 

Jack Plane, on a blog i follow, is a retired antique furniture guy from GB, he's retired now in Australia, very knowledgeable about English/Irish old furniture.
He posted this about what some victorians did in england during that era, It involves carving.
https://pegsandtails.wordpress.com/2014/11/29/picture-this-xxxix/

 

Hi James,
I have a booklet around here somewhere. It was printed in 1950 and has details on how to REMOVE the Victorian/Edwardian carvings and pieces to make "beautiful" streamlined pieces of furniture. It has numerous photos of "redone" pieces. It makes me almost sick when I read it, like watching a train wreck.
greg