Up for sale is an extensively carved Griffin sideboard that is attributed to Horner, though it is not marked as such. There is an elliptical shield/egg that is typical of Horner pieces in the center of the top crest. The drawer and door fronts are extensively carved and feature a pair of griffins on the top drawer in addition to the two supporting the top shelf. Bidding is currently at $1,775 with reserve not met. The auction will close on August 27th.

Related items for sale - hover mouse for more information

Hello blogosphere! This is the first post for my new Horner-only antique furniture blog. I started the Rare Victorian blog a month ago and have seen a serious following of Horner lovers so I am breaking out a separate blog for Horner pieces. If you are not familiar with my Rare Victorian Blog I post entries profiling rare victorian furniture on sale at online auctions from the best makers of the era. I have no affiliations with any of the sellers so I only post those items that I have a particular interest in and would purchase myself. I collect this information for my own purposes anyway and thought I’d post it out, making it convenient for others to follow.

It’s only fitting that I start my blog with a first post profiling an unbelievably carved desk from R. J. Horner. There isn’t a surface that isn’t carved and the quartersawn oak grain inside this desk gives new meaning to the oft-used term “tiger oak”. Bradford’s Antiques, the seller, mentions that this desk is one of only two or three known to be done in oak. More from the listing:

Rare R.J. Horner Quartersawn Oak Winged Griffin Slant Front Desk

Circa 1880′s

One of only Two or Three Known to been made in Oak!

MINT ALL ORIGINAL

Carved to Death

Secret Drawer with Gargoyle Head

Secret Drawer Button hidden Inside the Desk

All Relief Carved

The Best Quartersawn Flake Possible Throughout

Original Fitted Interior with Drawers and Columns

Six Drawer Desk all Serpentine Fronts and All Relief Carved with Carved Pulls

Massive Griffins in Fine Horner Style Detail

Notice how the Griffins are Squatting on their Haunches and how the Tails Curl up between the Legs

Also see How the Wings are Elongated to have the Tips go back past the Side of the Case.

The Griffins are in Mint Condition with No Cracks or Breaks!

This Desk is in All Original Mint Condition.

The Back is Finished Quartersawn Oak as well

Height: 46 inches

Width 42.5 inches

Depth: 22 inches

Related items for sale - hover mouse for more information