Featured Did it have wheels?

This library table has curved, hollow, metal legs that are painted as if they are wood. I have always believed that the table is Victorian or a Victorian reproduction. When I bought it, there were sliders on the bottom of the legs, but I think it once had wheels. Can the members help me determine if it had wheels? If so, I am looking for replacement wheels, as well as, a replacement keyhole cover, and the door handle, which does not match the handle pulls that I believe are the originals. Does anyone know if there are sources for good reproductions or originals? If I am wrong about any of this, please help me learn.

 

I suspect it may have had brass and porcelain castors. Odd and very interesting drawer handles and dovetails.

 

It is victorian, 1870 - 1900. Those drawer dovetails are "Knapp" joints, often called "pin & cove" and positively date the piece.
Neat piece, i like it, did it have wheels? Yes, probably, are there holes in bottom of feet?

 

James Thanks so much for the information. I've always wondered if it was really from that period. Yes there are holes. What type of casters would it have had? I would like to replace them, so it will look "right".

 

https://www.hardwareofthepast.com/antique-casters-leg-caps-glides-s/1880.htm

 

I would pick out what you like, porcelain is traditional but others are nice as well.

 

Wow That is great. Thanks so much

 

That's a nice table. Eclectic design influences.

 

https://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/victorian-casters-toe-caps

 

Even better. Love it. You are terrific!

 

Yes, very striking for late victorian, i don't think it's a residential table, library maybe?

 

When I bought it from an antique mall years ago, I was told it was a library table but I thought that meant it was a table for someone's library. Shows you how little I know.

 

I would guess aesthetic movement victorian because of fluted legs with compressed balls & asymmetric shelving below. Very nice example.

 

There's a lot of Aesthetic, but I think there's a lot of classicism as well. To me, the asymmetry of the shelves is Japanese, but Japonism certainly played into the Aesthetic.

 

Very Cool................don't think I've ever seen that kind of dovetailing before!!!!

 

You have been given good information here. The hardware is not any I have seen before. Consequently, I think you will have a hard time matching it. The keyhole cover is called an escutcheon so that may help your search. Besides Aesthetic hardware, I would look at that from the Eastlake and Arts and Crafts periods. If you can't find something that matches really well, you would be better off to go with something simpler rather than with a strong style that clashes.

Found this simple escutcheon that, while it doesn't match, could be a good choice.

 

Brad You're right. This is wonderful information. I so appreciate the generosity of the members in sharing their knowledge with me and for you tracking down this escutcheon. Thanks so much.

 

A clever craftsman could make an escutcheon and door pull for you. Look for one in your neighborhood. My dear departed FIL would have loved the challenge and you probably couldn't tell they were new when he finished. He often used old metals that he had collected.
Wouldn't it look snappy with some brass on the 'wheels.'
Love your table - so much character!
Patd

 

Patd I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for the idea. I did have a metal fabricator create a slanted mail sleeve between the exterior and interior walls of my Craftsman Bungalow in order install a mail slot, but I'll have to ask around to see if anyone knows someone with that skill set around here.

 

Yes, killer! example, you did well buying this, good eye! As is usual for late victorian, they often threw in 2 or 3 different styles in the same piece but i have rarely if ever seen an example that blends them this well, this table "works"!