19th Century Howard and Sons Mahogany and Gilt Brass Etagere

A fine quality late 19th Century mahogany and gilt brass etagere by Howard and Sons of Berners Street London English Circa 1880 This attractive piece by the important maker Howard and Sons of Berners Street, London, is a fine example of the late 19th century etagere. As might be expected from the name, the etagere was a design of French origin and is often called a what-not in English furniture circles. Made of gilded brass with the exception of the three shelves which are of finely veneered mahogany, the piece has the Howard and Sons stamp to the reverse of the lower shelf. Pieces of this sort are useful both for the display or decorative objects such as small bronzes and porcelain and for use in a dining room setting. Pieces of this sort are perennially popular and inspired the likes of the antique dealers Mallett to create their own range of very similar reproduction pieces in the mid 20th century. Howard and Sons pieces are eagerly sought-after due in particular to the popularity of their upholstered chairs which have become staples of interior design projects once again and so we are delighted to have been able to acquire this piece for our stock. Another example of Howard etageres include one in the private collection of legendary antiques dealer Maurice "Dick" Turpin which formed part of the furnishings of his Kensington flat. One of the most successful and well-known Victorian cabinet-making firms, Howard & Sons was formed by John Howard in 1820 and established in Berners Street by 1854. Messrs. Howard & Sons exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition and amongst several notable commissions contributed to the furnishing of Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire and Elton Hall, Huntingdonshire Width: 14 inches - 35cm Height: 27 1/2 inches - 70cm Depth: 14 inches - 35cm