Bay Colony Antiques is pleased to offer this exceptional early 19th-century mahogany washstand. Once an essential fixture in early American homes, washstands began to fade from use during the Victorian era as indoor plumbing became more common. Traditionally, a pitcher of fresh water would be placed on the lower shelf, with a wash basin in the large cutout, while soap and toiletries were kept in the smaller cutouts.
We really don’t buy many washstands, as most that we encounter are either unremarkable or have suffered significant wear due to frequent exposure to water. However, this example stands out for both its outstanding condition and the premium quality of the mahogany. Using Israel Sack’s Good, Better, Best grading system, this piece firmly falls into the better tier, bordering on best. What truly distinguishes this washstand is the exceptional grain pattern and rich natural luster of its Caribbean mahogany, a result of the wood’s high oil content and the mineral-rich soil in which it grew. In the early 1800s, mahogany was an expensive material, and owning mahogany furniture was a status symbol, demonstrating wealth and refinement. The washstand features a raised gallery with exposed hand-cut dovetails at the back and an elegant cupid’s bow scrolling pattern on the front. The lower drawer grants added functionality and is fitted with embossed floral brass pulls and an embossed oval escutcheon with a reticulated design. The washstand measures 20 1/8” wide x 16 1/4” deep (17 1/4” including the pulls) x 39” tall.
