Georgian Elegance: George III Brass-Bound Mahogany Wine Cooler on Carved Stand
(c. 1765–1775)

A superb mid-18th century George III mahogany wine cooler (or cellaret), dating to circa 1765–1775. This piece exemplifies the refined functional furniture of the Chippendale period.

The cooler is of classic oval form, constructed from rich, figured mahogany bound with two robust brass bands for structural integrity. It is fitted with substantial, shaped brass drop-ring handles and retains a brass liner for holding ice and bottles.

The vessel rests upon its original and exceptionally carved mahogany stand. The stand features cabriole legs of superior quality, adorned with finely carved acanthus leaf motifs on the knees and terminating in scrolled toes. The carving is notably crisp and confident, suggesting the hand of a master London workshop.

Provenance:
"• The Noel & Harriette Levine Collection. (A distinguished American collection known for its focus on premier English furniture).

Condition: Good antique condition. The carving remains sharp. As noted, there is some typical age-related shrinkage to the mahogany bands, consistent with 18th-century timber movement. The brass liner is intact.

Measurements:
"• Height: 25 inches (63.5 cm)
"• Width: 28 inches (71.1 cm)
"• Depth: 18 inches (45.7 cm)

Historical Context:
In the late Georgian dining room, the wine cooler was a status symbol, often placed beneath the sideboard to chill wine before serving. As noted in period correspondence (such as Mary Kenyon's 1775 letter), a "handsome cistern of mahogany with brass hoops" was a prized possession. The superior carving on the legs of this example elevates it above the standard "plain mahogany tub" described in reference texts, linking it stylistically to fine seating furniture of the same era.

Literature & Reference:

"• Stevens & Whittington, 18th Century English Furniture: The Norman Adams Collection: See the cover illustration and pages 47/60 for a Chippendale stool (c. 1755) with legs of nearly identical design and quality.

"• MacQuoid & Edwards, The Dictionary of English Furniture (Vol. III): Discusses the evolution of wine cisterns and their placement in the Georgian home. See a discussion on Wine Cisterns and Coolers. The author mentions that " In late Georgian times the wine cooler was generally a plain mahogany tub hooped with brass and standing on four legs. They illustrate a lesser example than our cooler shown in a painting by Zoffany called "The Ferguson Group" from 1769.

They were often left under the sideboard when not in use. A letter from Mary Kenyon to her mother is mentioned, dated October 30, 1775, where she writes that amongst her furniture at her new home in Lincoln's Inn Fields "a handsome cistern of mahogany with brass hoops etc. under the sideboard".

(Ref: NY9831-cmrr)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: There has been some age shrinkage as is typical.

Origin:
United Kingdom

Materials & Techniques:
Brass, Mahogany

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Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; There has been some age shrinkage as is typical.