Lot 278
  • 278

THE DEWOLF FAMILY FEDERAL Bone INLAID AND FIGURED MAHOGANY DIMINUTIVE SERPENTINE-FRONT SIDEBOARD, NEWPORT OR PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, cIRCA 1795

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • mahogany
  • Height 38½ in. by Width 55¾ in. by Depth 23in.
Appears to retain its original hardware and original finish.

Provenance

Originally owned by John DeWolf (1760-1841) at the John DeWolf farm in Bristol, Rhode Island;
To his son, Professor John DeWolf (1786-1862), at the farm;
To his son, Algernon Sidney DeWolf (1822-1879) at the farm;
To the estate of Algernon Sidney Dewolf, the heirs of whom were his wife, Clara Diman DeWolf (1828-1913), and five children, in 1879;
To his daughter, Clara Anna DeWolf Herreshoff (1853-1905), in 1892.  She married Nathanael Greene Herreshoff (1848-1938) in 1883;
To the estate of Clara Anna DeWolf Herreshoff in 1905;
To her daughter, Agnes Müller Herreshoff (1884-1965) in 1953;
To her nephew, Nathanael Greene Herreshoff III, the present owner in 1965.

Condition

Secondary wood is white pine
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A sideboard from the same cabinet shop which is the virtual mate to the presently offered example was offered in a sale at Sotheby's New York, January 22, 2006, lot 555.  That sideboard was, according to family history, originally made for John Brown (1736-1803) and descended in a direct line to the consignor, Halsey chase Herreshoff.  The sideboard is now at the John Brown House, Rhode Island Historical Society.