Sideboard - Sideboard

Cherry with mahogany veneer sideboard. Back rail is punctuated by four squared columns topped by oak molding, the upper tier of which is ornamented with mahogany veneer. The front face of each column is carved with a foliate medallion set off with triangular punch work. The rail itself carries through the molding of the columns and is veneered with figured mahogany. Across the center of the rail is an applied convex strip, also veneered with figured mahogany. The upper rail is attached to the top with screws that are visible under the back lip of the board. The top is a single cherry board with applied mahogany molding across each outer edge. Below this molding is a sharply angled strip of applied molding that has been painted a deep black in imitation of ebony. This surmounts a wide flat band with figured mahogany veneer. The remainder of the case is visually broken into three segments by a bank of three drawer with turned wooden knobs. Each drawer is flanked by carved and applied mahogany medallions of the same design as the upper columns but in convex form. The convex drawer fronts are cherry and pine with mahogany veneer. The drawer sides and bottom are of cedar and pine. The supporting rail under the top and the dust board are all examples of an overall robust construction style. Interior woods are cherry, a conifer and cedar. Below the bank of drawers is another strip of smooth mahogany veneered wood. The drawer case projects from the lower section and is visually supported by four fully articulated columns in modified version of the ionic order. The column capitals have two opposing volutes centered on three radiating leaves and are carved from a light colored mahogany. The shaft of each column is wrapped in figured mahogany veneer. Both the cushion base, square plinth and carved capitals were carved from two pieced sections of mahogany. The right and left sections formed by the columns are filled by a single mahogany veneered door. The inner portion of the door has a blind peaked arch, possibly in the gothic taste. The arch was created by adding two curved sections to the upper corners of the panel, which was then hidden by mahogany veneer. The blind arch has a simple ebonized inner molding. The inner field of the arch is veneered with a contrasting, lighter cut of mahogany veneer. The side doors are flat, in contrast with the convex center set of double drawers with a continuation of the arched design. Behind all three drawers is a single convex shelf. The sides may have originally had mahogany veneer, but if so, it is now lost. The case rests on a mahogany veneered base with six turned, bulbous feet. The front four feet surmount a brass ball with shallow rouletted pattern along the neck. The back two feet are of a like design but accomplished with turned wood.