American Classical Carved Mahogany Center Table, c. 1840, attr. to J. & J.W. Meeks, New York, partial label, associated circular marble top, stepped paneled octagonal frieze, incurvate standard with turned columns and stepped molding, serpentine plinth, scroll feet, h. 30 in., dia. 36 in. Note: The table offered here is identical in form, decoration, and proportions to a center table labeled by New York cabinetmakers John and Joseph W. Meeks, sold in these rooms on July 16, 2016. The printed paper label on the latter sold table bears the addresses of the company's wareroom and manufactory at 43 & 45 Broad Street in New York City and at 23 Chartres Street in New Orleans. In 1821, Joseph W. Meeks opened a warehouse in New Orleans and city directories listed the Meeks branch at 29 Chartres Street in 1830, 29 Chartres Street and 39 Royal Street in 1834, and 23 Chartres Street in 1838.
While center tables in a variety of designs are illustrated in the famous Meeks broadside of 1833, none exhibit the bold architectural quality of the present lot, distinguished by the complexly molded frieze and concave-sided standard. The collection of the New York State Museum in Albany includes a similar center table with a Meeks paper label bearing the addresses of No. 14 Vesey Street, New York, and 23 Chartres Street, New Orleans.
Ref.: Scherer, John L. New York Furniture at the New York State Museum, p. 75, fig. 74; Dubrow, Eileen and Richard. American Furniture of the 19th Century, 1840-1880, pp. 44-45.