With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this wonderful late 19th century antique hall tree. We are always in search of rare and unusual antique hall trees as we have owned many throughout the years and always found the homes where these are featured to be among our favorites to furnish. This example was constructed at the height of the Victorian period with the highest regard for premium quality and craftsmanship. The entire frame of this hall tree is solid oak with quartersawn tiger oak grain strongly present throughout the entire surface. This hall tree has a commanding presence with six antique cornucopia form coat hooks projecting off the frame on either side of the original beveled glass mirror. A beautiful ribbon carved element is adorned on the top center of the frame and features trailing ends centered by a floral pinwheel motif. The top of the frame is defined by curved foliate designs which are carved and applied to enhance the overall form. In the center of the hall tree a raised panel section with four carved fleurs-de-lis elements are featured upon the corners all situated in opposed mirroring positions.
This hall tree has a lift top bench seat which is hinged and opens to reveal an interior storage cavity. To either side of the seat are well formed and curved bench arms that provide additional comfort to the sitter resting on the bench seat. The base section features double curved scrolled ends in the manner of two Grecian urn elements with an inflection point created by the construction of the two boards comprising the base below the seat. The front of the hall tree is raised on two well carved paw feet and overall the piece is quite sturdy being completely reliable for daily use. The piece is in exceptional condition having been well cared for throughout a century and a half of continued enjoyment. The back features period stenciling numerating the hall tree as No. 93 which was likely a production design identifier which many of the leading furniture manufacturers were known to do. It is possible that this piece was built in New York City for a firm such as R.J. Horner or perhaps in Boston by a premium maker like Paine's Furniture. We can only speculate as the hall tree is quite unlike any other we have had before and is so well made that many of the best furniture makers of the era could lay claim to this exquisite offering. The hall tree measures 36 3/4" wide from the farthest coat hook on the left side to the absolute opposite righthand side. It is 17" deep measured at the carved feet from front to back. The seat is 18" tall off the ground and the arm height is 28 3/4" tall while the overall height is 81 3/4" tall.
