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Texas Walnut Bench

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 600.00 USD
Texas Walnut Bench
All items sold as is where is. See photos for condition, email info@burleyauction.com or call 830-629-9280 (Prior to sale day) if you have specific condition questions.
Walnut, 70'' x 37'' At first glance, this 19th Century Texas handmade walnut bench appears simply crafted. However, upon closer inspection, the quality of craftsmanship and design points to the hands of an accomplished cabinetmaker. The maker was most likely a German immigrant residing in Austin of Fayette County.

The bench is constructed using mortise and tenon joinery and measures 14-1/2” deep, 36-1/2” tall and 69-1/4” long cabinetmaker selected ½” and 1” thick planks for the bench. The back rest consists of two 1” x 3-1/4” planks between which fifteen octagonal 5/8” x 8-3/4” spindles are equally spaced between the back posts. The front and back posts gracefully taper above and below the seat. The rounded over 1” x 1-1/4” arms have a concave bend. The seat consists of two ½” x 6” planks and is applied to the mortised skirt by square nails.

Before Mrs. Faith Bybee acquired the bench (before 1975), it had been painted a silver gray color and had weathered much as no doubt it had been exposed to many years of ultraviolet sunlight. It remained in her collection for approximately forty years. The bench is photographed and described on page 178 of the revised edition of the “Taylor & Warren Book”. Later the piece vested to the Pioneer Arts Foundation until acquired by MLD Holdings in 2011. GBG acquired the bench in March of 2012.