Antique 17th Century English Quartersawn Oak Sideboard Server Court Cupboard 46

Description

A beautiful English Charles II era sideboard or server, circa 1660s. Reminiscent of the Jacobean era Court Cupboard. Made from quartersawn oak with intricately carved details. Features a rectangular form with a large upper serving area over a frieze of two drawers with brass hardware. Top is supported by turned and ribbed columns along the front and an extradordinary paneled back carved with diamonds, flowers and fans. The cupboard area of the case houses 2 diamond paneled doors that open to the lower cabinet area. Central lower panel bares a crest flanked by S scrolls beneath an apron of egg and dart carving. The cabint is topped with an impressive backsplash, scalloped at the center and flanked by flowing acanthus leaves. It's versatile size allows for use as a hall console, credenza or barback.

From the Estate of Virginia Kettering. Virginia Weiffenbach Kettering (1907 - 2003) was Dayton, Ohio's leading philanthropist, and a patron of the arts. Virginia and her husband Eugene purchased the piece in England. Eugene was the son of Charles Kettering who invented the electric starter for cars.

The Kettering family fortune has its origins in the General Motors stock owned by Charles F. Kettering. Kettering was the co-founder (with Edward Deeds) of Delco, which was one of the original companies which came together to form what became General Motors. Kettering never sold his stock and let it compound thoroughout his life.
When Kettering died in 1958 his General Motors stock alone was estimated at more than $165 million

Condition

Good Antique Condition; wear and distressing commensurate with age. Past repairs and reinforcements. Lower cupboard section lined with MDF, hole in back right panel.

Dimensions

46" x 21" x 49.25" / Surface Heights - 20.75" and 41.75" (Width x Depth x Height)