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Mahogany Breakfront Inherited Gem

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By JAY MOORE, Tribune correspondent

Published: January 19, 2008

I would like information about a piece of furniture I inherited from friends. They referred to it as a "breakfront." I cannot identify the type of wood. It is in excellent condition.

A.G.

Tampa

It is American manufactured furniture, produced during the late 1920s or early '30s. It probably is made of plywood and solids, covered with crotch-grained, mahogany veneer.

A breakfront, by definition, is a cabinet or bookcase with a middle section that protrudes farther than the side sections. The form was very popular in England during the 18th century.

As is typical of reproduction furniture from this era, it is downsized. Early pieces often took up an entire wall. Early and newer breakfronts often include a desk in the middle section.

Because it is above-average quality furniture from this period, it would retail for about $700.

Similar manufactured breakfronts made of Honduran mahogany retail for $450.

What can you tell me about my two small chairs and chest? Some people have told me they are a cabinetmaker's models, but I think the pieces are children's furniture.

E.C.T.

Hanover, Va.

You're right; it is children's furniture. The chairs probably were factory-made around the turn of the 20th century. They do not appear to match, so it may be an assembled set.

I like the little washstand, which may be missing a backsplash. It may have been factory-made or homemade, but it appears to retain its original paint. It is the prom queen of the lot.

The cane-bottom chairs (the armchair also has a cane back) would retail for about $100 each. The children's washstand, if in excellent condition, would retail for about $200.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear digital image (.jpg file) to athome@

tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Mail can be sent with clear photographs (plain-paper prints or Polaroids may not be used). Send to Jay Moore, At Home, The Tampa Tribune, P.O. Box 191, Tampa FL 33601. Sorry, no personal rep

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