Featured Depression or not, Shaker Keeps Rolling Along

One area of antique brown furniture that does not seem to realize that prices are in a free fall is Shaker. I am not sure exactly why this is.
This Shaker sewing table had an estimate of 5-10k at Morphy auctions and was hammered down on 69 bids for a stunning 96k, almost 10 times its high estimate.
It is a rare form, a drop-leaf sewing table but still, $100,000? YIKES!

https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/LotDetail.aspx?inventoryid=479030

Butternut, cherry & pine C. 1840

 

Shaker has the simplicity of elegance all wrapped into one.

I have had the pleasure of visiting their village in NH several years ago, and there I came to really appreciate why people love it so.

I have a couple of small baskets, but no furniture. I purchased a basket at that visit and although not by one of the original Shakers the quality is the same.

If anyone has the opportunity to visit one of villages, do so....you won't be disappointed.

 

Indeed, it was not their goal or intention to make elegant furniture but, that's how it turned out.
I own only 1 Shaker piece, an 1840 cane seat tilter side chair from Canterbury NH, which is not exactly comfy to sit-in but, gorgeous to look at.
Shaker is the only known 100% American designed furniture and, it holds that title with distinction.

Canterbury NH, C 1840 Cane seat tilter side chair

 

Treasure! It could not be owned by a more appreciative owner today.

I had forgotten the name of Canterbury.....thank you for the reminder.

Everything they built had a purpose, and I do agree elegance was far from their mind, but they created it without knowing it............

 

Yes, there were 2 Shaker villages in NH, Canterbury & Enfield.
I have ALWAYS lusted for an Enfield work stand however, considering the prices these stands fetch, I can keep on lusting all I want, not gonna happen!
This one at Skinner sold in 2016 for 52k
https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2898M/lots/70

Shaker One-drawer Table, Enfield, New Hampshire, tiger maple top, bird's-eye maple legs, cherry drawer front with birch sides

 

Sweet!

 

Presumably it wasn't meant to be, or at least not for our idea of comfort. They would have sat with ramrod straight backs that never touched the chair back. I love the use of all different woods.

 

James, could you explain what 'tilter' means please? TY

 

Sure, "tilters" are a ball & socket device installed on the 2 rear legs the Shakers developed to allow one to lean back in your chair without damaging or putting a dent in the floor.

 

Thanks, I've learned something new already today! What a great idea they had.

 

Yes, an INCREDIBLE amount of pre-planning went into Shaker designed furniture, additionally, this furniture was built by some of the most talented woodworkers in 19th century America. FLAWLESS cabinetmakers, only PERFECT would do, simply outstanding skill level.

Close up of a Shaker Tilter

 

Thanks, James, I've always admired Shaker furniture.

 

Its simplicity allows it to fit in pretty much any interior and not look out of place. I can see why the mcm crowd would love it,not much different in concept. Gorgeous stuff but lord those prices !

 

I like the shaker style. It seems it would be great for shabby chic, cottage style homes. I wouldn't know a real one from a repro, but I have always liked that style, simple yet charming.

 

No, comfort was the furthest thing from the Shaker designers concept, they were ALL about function, FUNCTION, and FUNCTION!
I can't even trick the grandkids into sitting in that shaker tilter for long, after explaining HOW COOL! the tilters are, 5 mins later and into the Barcaloungers they go!
It maybe be cool grandad but I like this one better!

Indeed, hideous prices for period Shaker furniture. When I first fell in love with that Enfield stand, they were 20k-25k, today they are 50k and up! So much for waiting till their prices come down!

You are not alone, even Ikea has a Shaker line in their kitchen cabinets, it seems almost everyone does.

 

One thing I notice about all these examples (well maybe not the original cabinet picture) = the shaker furniture really looks to be standing, gracefully, up on its tiptoes!