AN IMPORTANT CLASSICAL FIGURED MAHOGANY SOFA,probably Baltimore, circa 1830-1840. The rolled-back crest rail flanked by carved foliate decorative detail above the padded back and seat with two loose bolsters flanked by outscrolling arms faced with cornucopia-shaped mahogany panels with two carved rosettes above the cushion-molded apron raised on foliate-carved "winged" supports ending in paw feet. All original except for the rust damask upholstery - 37 1/2 in. x 87 in. x 23 1/2 in. Estimate $3,000-5,000
Provenance: Mrs. Mason Belt, Baltimore, Maryland to her cousin Dr. William Beverly Mason, a direct descendant of George Mason of Gunston Hall through George Mason's son, Thomas, who owned Hollin Hall, Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. Mason gave the sofa to a relative of the present owner
Possibly constructed following designer/cabinetmaker George Smith's plates published in his book "Collection of Designs for Household Furniture", 1808 - see plate 63b for similar arms and plate 65 for similar "winged" feet.
See also Alice Winchester's "The Antiques Book", page 130, fig.9 for a similar sofa.
