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Very fine and rare Hepplewhite mahogany serpentine front inlaid
sideboard and companion knife boxes, made and labeled by William Whitehead. The sideboard
is the epitomy of grace and harmonious composition, the center legs and sties are canted
to create a knife blade effect, the bellflower inlay with connecting loops and the diamond
escutcheons have pellet drops as pendants, the end cupboard doors, recessed cupboard doors
and concave turrets have fan inlaid quadrants, with inlaid rosettes and book inlay
flanking the drawers, original mellow brown patina of great depth and mellowness. The
knife boxes are made as companions, the fronts of conforming serpentine shape, with
simulated drawers and cupboards, and inlaid patterns to match the similar arrangement on
the sideboard. Both the sideboard and knife boxes retain the original chased octagonal
brasses. To our knowledge the knife boxes are unique. New York, circa 1790-1810.
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