Description:

Fine Louisiana Highly Figured Mahogany Armoire, c. 1815-1825, probably New Orleans, conservation and later cornice by esteemed New Orleans cabinetmaker Ruppert Kohlmaier, Sr., flush panel doors, fiche hinges, shelf interior with medial belt of drawers, distinctive ring-turned block and ball feet, h. 95 in., w. 62 1/2 in., d. 24 1/2 in. Provenance: Noted Antiquarian Mary Ory, New Orleans. Note: The armoire in the present lot shares many hallmark characteristics of Louisiana Creole-style armoires—a style defined by a fusion of French, Caribbean, and Federal design attributes. The armoire’s veneered frieze and unusual-shaped legs over brass ball feet exhibit the growing influence of Anglo and Federal design that became prevalent in Louisiana armoires beginning in the early 19th century. The flush panel doors, fiche hinges, and overall proportions are indicative of French and Caribbean characteristics seen on earlier Louisiana and West Indies armoires dating to the late 18th century. The armoire shown here is closely related to a group of first-quarter 19th century Federal-manner armoires illustrated in Furnishing Louisiana: Creole and Acadian Furniture, 1735-1835 (fig. 45-48). This armoire was meticulously conserved by the esteemed New Orleans cabinetmaker Ruppert Kohlmaier, Sr., who carefully recreated the armoire’s cornice based on similar Federal-influenced Creole examples. The German-born Kohlmaier established a cabinetmaking shop in New Orleans in 1937 and quickly became the most sought-after cabinetmaker of 20th century New Orleans. His son, Ruppert Kohlmaier, Jr., joined his father’s firm in 1954 and continues the family legacy of fine furniture craftsmanship today. Ref.: Holden, Jack D., et al. Furnishing Louisiana: Creole and Acadian Furniture, 1735-1835. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 2010, pp. 160-161; Gontar, Cybele. A Century on Harmony Street: The Kohlmaier Cabinetmakers of New Orleans. The Louisiana Museum Foundation, 2021.

  • Condition: If Condition is NOT stated in the description of the lot, the absence of a condition report does not indicate the lot is free of damage or condition issues. Available Condition Reports will appear as an additional image. Condition Reports and photographs may be requested on items until the Wednesday prior to the auction. Bid accordingly. All sales are final, no returns are accepted on the basis of condition.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $10
$50 $99 $25
$100 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $5,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000