Incollect Magazine - Issue 4

Issue 4 98 www.incollect.com n the recent sale of Ann and Gordon Getty’s furniture in New York, there was a level of English and Continental furniture, quality- wise, that hasn’t been seen for a good long while. The top lot in the sale, an early George III mahogany breakfront cabinet by William Vile with exquisite carving by Sefferin Alken, created for Queen Charlotte in 1761 for St. James’s Palace is a good case in point. Estimated at $600,000–$1,000,000, it sold for $2,700,000, and it is possibly one of the finest pieces to come onto the auction market in the last twenty years. The English antique furniture trade is still vibrant and has pieces that may not be quite as rare, but which in some ways rival what could be found at the Getty sale, and wonderful pieces can be found at a wide range of price points. What do dealers, such as myself, look for in a piece and what should the buyer look for? As a rule, you should be guided by five essential elements or aspects of a piece of furniture. I have selected the pieces illustrated here, including two from my own gallery, based on a variety of characteristics noting what I find especially appealing about each of them, whether it be form, color, rarity, versatility, or that intangible glow of timelessness and warmth that antiques radiate. They can all be found on Incollect.com. And don’t miss the opportunity to view more spectacular pieces and chat with some of the knowledgeable and enthusiastic dealers mentioned in this article — Michael Pashby, Hyde Park Antiques and Clinton Howell Antiques are exhibiting at The Winter Show at New York City’s Park Avenue Armory from January 20th – 29th. What To Look For When Buying by Clinton Howell Carlton Hobbs presents this early 19th-century Regency lyre-form rosewood and parcel gilt console table. What a lovely design and what wonderful condition. This piece transcends time.