Large Belter Rosewood Laminated Recamier

Fabulous laminated rosewood rococo Victorian large size Recamier attributed to John Henry Belter, NYC. The very top crest is richly carved with roses, leaves, and fruit. A somewhat similar crest is shown on page 47 of “The Furniture of John Henry Belter and the Rococo Revival” by Marvin D. Schwartz. The entire top frame has the naturalistic vine design employed by Belter. The realistic motifs include oak leaves, bunches of grapes, roses, acorns, fruit, and flowers. All this is open carved out of the laminated back in great detail. The serpentine shaped bottom of the seat is beautifully carved with a large cluster carving in the middle. A chair with similar carvings is shown in the same book on page 44. The arm is not the usual shape used by Belter. However, the best known example of a Belter sofa pictured on page 124 and on the cover of “American Furniture of the 19th Century” by Eileen and Richard Dubrow, has a near matching arm. Overall, the grapes, leaves and intricacy of the carvings resemble Tutthill King, one of the best patterns. Examples are shown on page 101 of the Dubrow book. This is probably a one of kind, special order, made by Belter, employing many of his design elements. It sits on the original brass castors. We are offering this piece in “as found” condition. The fabric is a rather recent addition. While the springs and fabric are, for the most part, in good condition, there are some tears in the right side of the seat and few small stains. There are a couple of minor flaws which we could have fixed for a small additional fee. The flaws are: 1. Metal braces installed on the back to legs. 2. Two small splits in the laminated top back 3. Some missing moldings in the back of the lower wrap-around side. 4. The front of a flower on the left side of the lower seat rail. This is the best Belter recamier we have ever seen offered for sale! Furthermore, most of his other recamiers are petite while this is of substantial and very useable proportions. A rare find for the serious collector! Doesn’t our niece, Jenny, make a wonderful model?! Circa: 1850 Dimensions: 45″H x 82″L Finish: Fair to good original finish with fine original patina. The rich grain of the rosewood can be visible and especially noticeable from the back (see photo). Price: $26,500.00 More photos on request