The entire upper assembly had been lost. I researched it through the Gordon Russell school/museum with help from their staff, and working from original drawings, recreated the ratcheted looking glass and support assembly. (Restored much of the ebonized stringing that had been lost as well.) English walnut.
For those who are interested, many “split” turnings in the 17th and 18th centuries are not complete halves. This is why. They were turned whole, then sawn in half, and the sawn surfaces flattened. They were then inserted as chair back spindles, or glued onto furniture as ornaments. If it looks right…it is right.
Ornamental walnut slab with gold leaf detailing.
Straightforward appropriation of someone else’s design. I left off the lower drawers to create little book cubbies instead. Butternut.
This gallery contains 2 photos.
This gallery contains 2 photos.
Mahogany and brass globe stand made for early 19th century French globe in the collection of the Union League of Philadelphia.
