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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: jshcutt on March 16, 2010, 08:54:11 PM

Title: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: jshcutt on March 16, 2010, 08:54:11 PM

I'm looking for information on an antique work table with dolphin legs.  I would like to know if anyone has info on when something like this mgith have been made and who would have built it.  I think it was made in the US, but not sure when or where.

Title: Re: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: sapphire on March 16, 2010, 09:07:39 PM

Welcome jshcutt!  Could you please post pics of the table?

Title: Re: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: KC on March 16, 2010, 09:52:35 PM

We really need to get a picture of your table overall and a close up of the legs. Any markings on the table as well.

Dolphins as fish and as animals have been used in furniture in several influential times (Empire, Renaissance, Louis XVI and Baroque styles).

Title: Re: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: jshcutt on March 17, 2010, 10:06:11 AM

Thanks for responding.  I have attached a pic of the piece.  Am interested in knowing where this was made and about when.

Title: Re: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: KC on March 17, 2010, 11:34:11 AM

D&b, correct me if I am wrong but isn't this Empire style?

jshcutt, are there any marks on the piece at all?

Can you take a side view pic of a pulled out drawer and a close up of the fish?

Title: Re: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: D&b antiques on March 17, 2010, 12:25:02 PM

French Empire looks to be a period piece.

Title: Re: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: talesofthesevenseas on March 17, 2010, 12:27:51 PM

The legs look to me like they are styled after the ancient Roman stylized dolphins. (Not that this piece dates to ancient Rome, but I think that is the style imitates the stylized, almost mythical-looking dolphins of that era) The photo below is a little bronze dolphin of mine that dates to ancient Rome. There is also a myth about Eros (young 'godling' of love) riding a dolphin.

(http://www.talesofthesevenseas.com/Jewelry3.jpg)

Another example showing a Roman mosaic:

(http://images.travelpod.com/users/jojomo/1.1212661020.roman-mosaic---dolphin.jpg)

Title: Re: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: D&b antiques on March 17, 2010, 01:16:18 PM

 ;D These porpoises are wearing ''scales'' only found in the empire period. if there not scales I stand corrected. For get the bi focal's. macular degeneration is steadly takeing over.

Title: Re: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: KC on March 17, 2010, 02:26:19 PM

Yep you are right D&B there are scales and they only used them during the "Empire" period. This resembles my favorite type....French Empire!!!!

However, with caution, they did make the same style here in the US copycating (is that a word?) the French!  There were several famous in the US as well (http://www.buffaloah.com/f/fstyles/emp/dolph/image/02.jpg)
(http://www.buffaloah.com/f/fstyles/emp/pier/image/1.jpg)

(http://www.philaantiques.com/images/loan_pics/2007/worktable1.jpg)

Title: Re: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: KC on March 17, 2010, 02:42:24 PM

All of these are from the 1800's.

Just for educational purposes here is a American Rococo notice the dolphins have no scales (however this is worth over $58,000)
(http://www.nealauction.com/toplots/americanfurniture/images/0268_1-1007.JPG)

Title: Re: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: D&b antiques on March 17, 2010, 03:09:43 PM

this is true.they were being  made in Philadelphia Baltimore etc. but in a French style.

Title: Re: Antique work table with dolphin legs
Post by: Dean Perdue on March 17, 2010, 03:21:11 PM

Great informative thread.Thanks for the schooling.