Pair of Mid-19th Century New England Cherry Glazed Display Cupboards, C. 1840–1860

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A wonderful and increasingly difficult-to-find pair of mid-19th century New England glazed cupboards, dating to approximately 1840–1860. Constructed in cherry, … Read more A wonderful and increasingly difficult-to-find pair of mid-19th century New England glazed cupboards, dating to approximately 1840–1860. Constructed in cherry, these tall architectural cupboards have a strong early American presence, with beautifully aged surfaces and the kind of honest character that comes from generations of use. Finding a true pair of period cupboards is particularly appealing, and together they make an impressive statement while remaining restrained enough to work beautifully in a modern interior.

Each cupboard features an applied molded cornice above a paneled frieze with square corner blocks and long, narrow recessed panels framing the doors. The upper doors retain their elegant grid of individual glazed panes, while the lower glazed doors provide additional display and storage space. The warm cherry has developed a rich, deep color with lighter areas of wear that give the surfaces tremendous depth and patina. Traditional construction details, including through-tenoned door joinery, further speak to their period craftsmanship. The pair would be exceptional for displaying books, ceramics, glass, collections, or linens in a living room, library, dining room, or kitchen.

The cupboards are in nice antique condition with considerable age-appropriate wear, surface variation, scratches, abrasions, and losses to the finish that contribute to their wonderfully authentic character. One cupboard is missing both cornice returns, while the other has a split to the front cornice. Several panes of glass appear to be later replacements, and one of the early panes has a crack. We made the deliberate decision to retain the cracked pane rather than replace it, as the old glass contributes considerably to the character and authenticity of the cupboards and the pane remains stable in place. There are additional small imperfections and evidence of use consistent with pieces approaching two centuries of age. Despite these condition points, the pair presents beautifully and remains highly usable, with an unusually appealing untouched quality.
69h x 35w x 16d shelf depth 10 See less