Antique 19th Century French Armoire From Helen Keller Estate

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This exceptional 19th-century French armoire comes from a prominent Central Texas family and was originally purchased at a high-end estate … Read more This exceptional 19th-century French armoire comes from a prominent Central Texas family and was originally purchased at a high-end estate auction in the 1990s. According to the family—whose members include a well-known political figure and a respected Waco surgeon—the piece was clearly presented as part of the estate of Helen Keller during the sale. While official documentation is not available, the family recalls the auction with clarity and remains confident in the provenance, which has been passed down along with the armoire. Crafted with a bold arched bonnet top and sculpted crown molding, the piece is constructed from solid hardwood with hand-cut joinery and features beautifully figured bird’s-eye maple panels on the interior doors, an uncommon and striking detail. Hand-carved numerical markings (988 and 734) appear throughout the interior, along with traditional slotted screws and mortise-style construction, complemented by a few later hardware updates. The rare use of bird’s-eye maple, the exceptional structure, and the potential connection to the Helen Keller estate elevate this armoire far above standard antique offerings, presenting a unique opportunity to own a genuinely crafted 19th-century piece with character, mystery, and history—whether as a collector’s anchor piece or a timeless, storied statement in a refined interior. See less