E. DIENST table - need more info

Hi there,

Recently I have inherited a table which I know little to nothing about.

Branded 'E. DIENST AMEUBLEMENTS PARIS' (there is an address underneath that starts with 86, however the marking has faded). It's a 4 - 12 seat table, with two removable leaves. Beyond that, I have no further information, including what type of wood it is made from.

I have included some photos, and any insight would be hugely appreciated!

 

I suspect that it dates from around 1900. Mahogany was commonly used. The pictures of the table itself are more artistic than diagnostic. The underpinnings for the extending mechanism would often be made of a cheaper wood. Does it have a winding handle to extend it?

 

What little information I've found regarding the maker was that he was supposedly the cabinetmaker for King Louis Philippe of France. I'm not sure if that provides any further insight as to when it could have been built?

There is no winding mechanism to extend. Requires each end to be pulled apart before inserting the leaves to extend it.

 

In a few auction listings online, it says that the address was 86, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine. The full name of the owner was Eugène Dienst. If you click the "Lot Notes" tab on this Christie's lot (http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/...-4484188-details.aspx?intObjectID=4484188#top), it says "Taking over his father's workshop at 86, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine in 1871, Eugène Dienst remained there until the end of the century. He was awarded a gold medal for his exhibits at the Paris 1889 Exposition Universelle." -- Although it doesn't give the last date, it does say "end of the century" as the end of Dienst's presence at that address.

Your table looks less ornate than most of their items I've found online... just an observation.

 

Does appear to be mahogany from these pics. I agree with the 1900 date or just a bit earlier. This is late Victorian furniture but, being French, they might brand it something else terminology-wise.

 

I hope in the years to come that you have many happy family & friend functions around the wonderful table !!!

 

I leave mine open and piled with junk. But each to his own.



I should have another leaf made.It has a handle to wind it out and there is room for another leaf that we do not have.

 

Funny the things you call junk, we call antiques, and were recently a gentleman's prized personal possessions .....but...to each his own !

 

I use it as a term of affection.

If an English man calls you something polite, he dislikes you.

 

I'll keep that in mind......but to a Canadian it can be highly confusing not knowing which cheek to turn...!

 

And my first thought was "JUNK! I would love to handle your........" ......well. you can see why I stopped the thought...................