Question on Finial Style?

[jerlands]

I've seen this architectural feature used on various pieces from cabinets and headboards to doorway entrances and would like to know more about it. I'm looking for a starting place such as a name but any info is appreciated.

Thanks,

Jon

[juliepooch]

This architectural feature is called a "pediment".

[jerlands]

This architectural feature is called a "pediment".

Thank you much Julie Pooch

That led me to the full description of "Swan's Neck Pediment" and to other good things.

TY...

Jon

[drcollie]

Correct! Actually its known as a "Split Pediment" design and that style of carving is referred to as "Federal Period and Rococo"

[jerlands]

Correct! Actually its known as a "Split Pediment" design and that style of carving is referred to as "Federal Period and Rococo"

Thanks Duane,

I purchased this piece yesterday and am trying to gather more info on it. Any insight is appreciated.

[juliepooch]

That piece is gorgeous! I love the patina on the hardware and they look original to the piece. Please add a picture with the mirrored sides open. Also, what is the wood? Mahogany or oak perhaps?

[jerlands]

That piece is gorgeous! I love the patina on the hardware and they look original to the piece. Please add a picture with the mirrored sides open. Also, what is the wood? Mahogany or oak perhaps?

Hi Julie,

I think it's oak and an uneducated guess circa 1930's. The owner said the maker's mark was on the back of the dresser unit but during the set-up I forgot to look. I'll need someone a little stronger than my wife to help disassemble it now. Until then I'm trying to learn what I can.

Thanks,

Jon

[drcollie]

That's made of mahogany and has hand-cut dovetails on the drawer. I has a rather odd design feature of the brass locks placed over the moulding detail, that's very strange, and some of the brass pulls 'hang' over the repeating details as well. Its an oddball piece quite frankly, one that has little design value to a collector. Whomever made it tried to dress it up with the carving and applied detail features, but it really isn't successful in that respect. Use it as a storage piece, but don't expect to ever get serious money for it on a resale.

[jerlands]

That's made of mahogany and has hand-cut dovetails on the drawer. I has a rather odd design feature of the brass locks placed over the moulding detail, that's very strange, and some of the brass pulls 'hang' over the repeating details as well. Its an oddball piece quite frankly, one that has little design value to a collector. Whomever made it tried to dress it up with the carving and applied detail features, but it really isn't successful in that respect. Use it as a storage piece, but don't expect to ever get serious money for it on a resale.

Thanks for the info... I bought it because of it's size and what I consider beauty We purchased an armoire to house a TV in our bedroom and it then kinda set the room out of balance, dwarfing our 6' dresser w/mirror. This works nicely for us and we'll enjoy it as a working piece of furniture. We paid $550 and cost us $195 to move but more importantly.. we're happy

Thanks,

Jon

[drcollie]

At $ 550, you're doing well on it.

Now had those carvings been on a Bonnet Top Highboy in a classic Philadelphia form, you'd have a piece worth $ 25K to $ 250K depending on form and originality.