Robert J Riesberg Antiques

Hello, 

Recent purchases have brought us this excellent 18th century Italian Rococo commode. The faux marble top with turret corners is above a bowfront case in yellow with detailed decoration of scrolled tendrils around royal portraits. All is supported by correct cabriole legs. The paint is antique with minor restorations. Keys and handmade large locks are present. Construction includes original large handmade forged nails. Width 43", Height 33". You would travel far to find another of this interest and condition.

#587. An Impressionist painting of great charm done with the considerable abilities of G. Warren Abbey. this "Harbor Sunset," creates strong emotion with color and technique. View 7" x 8 3/4". Late 19th or early 20th century. Top quality frame, best gallery provenance here. 

#588. A pair of brass lamps just professionally rewired and shaded. The pushup candlesticks date about 1800-1810 and show usual use and wear. The side mounted ejector lets you remove the remaining stub. Height 22".

#589. English "club," fenders are often sought but seldom found. This brass example of the late 19th century is in rectilinear form with rosettes and is mounted with brown leather cushions. Brass tools are hung at either end of the inviting fireplace accessory. Length 51", Depth 14", Height 19".

Much more to enjoy here. We look forward to your visit. Please do not hesitate to call or email for more detailed images or to ask questions. 

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob

To view these images please click on the numbers to be brought to a new tab.  

Hello, 

We just purchased this rare and intriguing hunt table of the early 1800's. The horseshoe form is unique in English furniture, as far as I know, and meant to offer sherry and refreshments to gentlemen and ladies after the morning hunt. Do not fear the unusual and do place this exciting piece of equestrian cultural history in that oversized breakfast room of yours. Yes, they will be talking for a long time about this and your immense self-confidence and canny decorating skills. The elegance of the English country life is sure to follow. The leaves drop over arching, sliding legs. Mahogany with fine brass hardware detail. Width is close to 61", open 100", Diameter 24+", Height 29". This table has an outstanding polish as well as untouched underside color. Harmless indulgence and social necessity in your life.

Avoid embarrassing duels at your next gathering of friends! Follow this idea by making 19th century swords into fairly harmless but unquestionably charming candlesticks. Our pair here with silvered brass guards and brass detail. Please notice the British lion rampat on the reticulated guards. The pair is an incomparable essential at your holiday parties, Height 10".

Noting also the Khiva Bohkara rug in good order with only minor wrinkle wear. Soft and winter warming 7'5" X 10'6".

Now, may I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? Please do not hesitate to call or email for more detailed images or to ask questions. 

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob



Hello, 

The early Baroque walnut cupboard is Italian in the 17th century style of antique elements. This is in two parts with an upper cupboard having a cornice held by flanking corbels over freestanding legs in the lower section below a heavy molding. Condition is restored with various losses and wears associated with objects of this age. Height 60" Width 49"

Also shown, at the top of the cupboard, an Italian 17th century oil on canvas, unrestored, with figures on steps with angels above. 17" X 18 1/2". I bought this interesting and well-painted oil as you see it and am offering you the opportunity of pursuing restoration and proper framing. This intriguing piece is well worth your close attention. The partial Chinese export tea service circa 1790 has eight pieces, some with old repairs. This is a charming group with well-decorated rims in green and gilt around central medallions of landscape scenes from a local estate.

Also just purchased here by us, a fully decorated Japanese Imari charger from the mid 19th century in a very nice undamaged condition. The decoration is of floral decorated scrolls with diaperwork border. This piece comes with a very well crafted wall hanger to hold its substantial weight. Diameter 16", 

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? We look forward to your visit. 

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob

Hello,

The Regency painted window seat is in very good order and awaits your fabric choice. At a 49" width it has the possibility to be used for the hallway, a bay, or other window arrangement. Please see the attachments for details of the decoration which include feathers, leafage, ribbon swags, patera, and roped garlands. 

Also pictured, please call for details on recent arrivals in 19th century oils on canvas including a country still life, a small Scottish landscape by T.A. Mackintosh, and, "A Wooded Path," by Ada Stone. Full details are available on request. 

Our thanks to the many of you that visited during the fall open house. It was a busy event and a chance to see many friends new old. 

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? 

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob



Hello, 

I hope you are able to attend our Autumn Open House which is September 24th, Saturday from noon to six o'clock. We will have a buffet and refreshments throughout the day. Although I've had many bed steps and library steps I would say this is the most unusual. Appearing to be a bookcase, this neatly opens to steps of mahogany. This English invention has old leather book ends, mounted for effect. Mid to late 19th century there is some evidence of reuse of material by this maker. Height 34", Depth 13", and Width 16".

Also ready for your inspection and appreciation, an oil on canvas country scene, 18th century with a later frame, of a man and his hunting dogs. Minor restoration and properly relined.

The semi antique rug, early 20th century is an Afshar with even pile in good order. 4' x 6' 7". The blue slip decorated Chinese jar is 19th century and now mounted as a lamp. The design shows figures walking in a garden. Height 28 1/2". The 18th century Nanking type tankard is a nice one with no damage. This has a spear border above a landscape scene with buildings. Height 5' 

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images?

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob



Hello and thanks for subscribing to our updates. Each week, we acquire new pieces to tempt your good taste and try to show you some through this letter.

Much Chinese export porcelain here from a local collection atop our stand. Please click on the attached images to see details of this early American Sheraton Boston area stand circa 1810-20’s. Mahogany with turned “turret” corners above spiral reeded legs, slender feet, and fine flame veneers define high points of this neoclassical form. Original brass pulls and older clear finish.

Also, a cheese trolley to hold a cheese round, Ca. 1830-40, mahogany.

 Chinese export pieces include, from the top downward:

-Two 19^th c. Canton ginger jars, 9” and 9 1/2”.

-Two Rose Medallion leaf dishes,19^th c., 7” and 8”.

-A 19^th c. oblong stand with a mandarin leaning against antiques, 8”.

-An early 19^th century tea pot stand, 7”.

-A group of eight various Rose Medallion bowls, approximately 8” diameter, minor frits, etc.

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? We look forward to your visit or call.

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob



Hello,

I’m pleased to be able to offer this fine mahogany English three part banquet table with square Chippendale legs on a shallow apron conforming to a graceful C-end top. Overall, the table measures 108” long with leaves up, 47” wide, and 28 1/2” tall. You will be pleased by its color and depth of surface. A summer banquet necessity.

Atop the Georgian table is a Japanese blue and white porcelain fishbowl, late 19^th century, adorned with tree peonies. The interesting form is of an ovoid bowl with a flared flange.  Diameter 18”, height 15”.

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? I am available for appointment during this weekend.

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob





Hello,

You are welcome to join us for our Summer Open House on Saturday, June 18^th from noon to 6:00 pm. A light supper with refreshments will be offered throughout the day. We look forward to seeing you.

Above, an English 17^th century chest or coffer, built for storage and to last the ages. The top and sides are paneled with molded rails. The façade is decorated with fanciful creatures and tulips, all in a rich dark patina.  This could be used with great effect in a large hall below a tapestry or at the foot of the bed. Width. 50”. Depth 22”, Height 21” for beauty in form and function. Also, please note the Chinese export 18^th century bowl with notched corners, decorated with blue diaperwork borders and importantly a “western market armorial” with an “H” at center. Minor wear.

Best regards and thanks,

     -Bob

Hello,

Christine and I are pleased to invite you to our Summer Open House on this coming Saturday, June 18^th,  Noon to 6 pm. Refreshments and a buffet supper will be offered all afternoon.

So many new pieces have been added to the collection. Just within the past week, we acquired an Italian landscape, a Regency pedestal dining  table,  a 30” diameter American maple oval country Queen Anne drop-leaf table, A Maryland Federal games table, a fine New England  rope leg stand, 18^th century armorial porcelain, an 18^th century small piecrust table circa 1750, a Chinese 30” cloisonné’ vase,  a paint decorated Regency armchair, a pair of Chinese export roosters, a fine red “Russian leather” Regency box, an 18^th century three part Chippendale banquet table,  two pairs of period gilt wood sconces, a tray top Louis XVI drinks table with fluted carving and more…

Please join us this Saturday. If distance or time prevents you from joining us, I am glad to provide detailed images of items you may have interest in.

We look forward to your visit

     -Christine and Bob



Hi,

We are packing for the show and wanted to give you a look at at least one of the latest finds you will be able to inspect first hand at the show.

We hope to see you this weekend.

Thanks,

     -Bob and Christine

Hello,

I just bought this lovely Hudson River Valley school painting, 48” X 30” overall, from a local collection. Some years ago, all details of restoration were taken care of including a careful cleaning, restoration and revarnishing by a top gallery. Cows and sheep wander her as a still stream meanders. All is framed by lush summer greens and flowers under a blue sky with puffy white clouds. Signed in the lower left. You will not be disappointed on personal inspection. A rare opportunity for a talented piece from this school at this price.

The New Hampshire Sheraton games table, circa 1810-20’s has very curvaceous serpentine fruitwood top above a conforming flame mahogany apron. The turret corners sit on spiral reeded legs. This is a boldly outlined table with no major repair. Width 36”.

#005/6 show an exceptional pair of 19^th French gilt bronze on wood candelabra with kettle bases cornered with ormolu mounts. This exciting pair demonstrates full blown French taste of the rococo. The bases have painted floral decoration (some wear). Height 30”.

#002. “Grand tour” neoclassical candlesticks, late 19^th century, in alabaster or marble with brass mounts. 9” H.

#003. This set of three urns measures 6 ½” and 5 ¾”(2). Dating about 1800-20, this finely detailed English trio has both gilt and polychrome decoration of high quality. No repairs.

Also, we have this group of early 18^th century French candlestick pairs with stepped hexagonal bases under baluster stems. The group to cover your dining table or your choice of pairs. 9” H.

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? We are eager to hear your specific requests.

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob





Hello to all antique adventurers!

"Beauty maddens the soul like wine..." -Unknown

Yes, it is our emotions that drive the collecting spirit and give excitement to pursuing beautiful objects. Let me further involve you with our brown-black lacquer tonsu which is randomly decorated with gilt mon as an owner's mark or crest. The pulls and escutcheons are engraved brass in a bronze patina. This Japanese piece dates to the mid 19th century. The five drawer case has pairs of low side lifts, as well as high carrying straps for a carrying pole. Height 41", Width 45", Depth 16". 

Above, an early 20th century bronze chandelier has scroll detail with leafage. Continental. Height, with chain 26", Depth 16". Cleaned and rewired. 

The baroque pewter candlesticks are seamed construction with turned shafts and scrollwork tripod bases. Continental. Height 18".

The taller pair of candlesticks is also of seamed brass with a patinaed gilt surface. From the early 1800's. The shafts are precisely fluted and adorned with leaves. Below, Christian symbols are within triform panels above scroll feet. All held by the rough threaded iron within. Height 29".

A Chinese 19th century watercolor ancestral portrait has been reframed in a gilt bamboo style frame. The bold colors include lapiz lazul blue ground from stone. 31"x25".

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? We are eager to hear your specific requests.

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob



Hi,

Just received here and offered for the first time, an early, 1810-1825, French neoclassical console in mahogany with a veined gray and white marble top. The elegant façade is mounted with gilt ormolu anthemions and rosettes. Each wood central panel is covered with pleated silk. W. 46”, D. 17 ½”, H. 37”.

The Continental sconces are probably Spanish or Italian and date in the 19^th century in the late neoclassic style with columns below a molding bound frieze crowned by turned finials. This large type was usually made for a church. The finish is a very primitive polychrome design on a blue ground and well worn. H. 31’.

The Venetian mirror is of shield form with a detailed surround of leafage, shell work, and flowers. Traces of gilt are on a yellow bole ground. 18^th or early 19^th century. H. 34”, W. 22”.

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? We look forward to your visit.

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob



Hello,

This has been a week of many new discoveries, some of which I have arranged in the scene below. If you were among those who missed the rococo console a few weeks ago, here is another console of distinction that is well carved with extensive leafage and scrolls. This 18^th century piece exhibits the deep hand carving, layered finish, and minor degradations to the wood that earmark a period piece. A later white marble top is supported by detailed cabriole legs with scroll feet. The top conforms to the base outlining turret corners. Length 55”, depth 16”, and height 34 ½”. I do again and again urge you to call or email without hesitation for any details or detailed images you may require.

Also shown, #007, a very bold Italian pair of raised copper, over wood, Baroque candlesticks of the 17^th century. At 38” tall with outstanding patina and color with various tones of grays to soft gray greens.  Strong details include shell work, leafage, and scrolls with cast elements. I have not seen better of these type.

#008. The “Old Paris” cache pots are fully decorated with polychrome flowers bound by diaperwork and gilt bands. There are no repairs or cracks, although some refreshing to the gilt. Ht. 8”.

#009-10.  A pair of English George III mahogany tall candlesticks, circa 1800-20 having finely carved reeding on urns above turned bases and mounted with leafage candle cups with detachable drip catches. Ht. 14 ½”, for the luxury of carved mahogany and the elegance of brass mounts.

#012.  Spanish or possibly Italian 17^th century bronze pricket candlesticks of large table top or mantle size. These have high detail in their casters, turnings and scrolls. The bases have seamed construction with mask centered panels. Ht.  25”. 

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images?

Best regards and thanks

      -Bob

Spring greetings,

         “What is the late November doing

           With the disturbance of the spring.”  -Elliot

Thoughts of sunnier and warmer days are brought to mind in our landscape by Olive P. Black, 1868-1948. She spent her early summers in the Berkshires painting their charms. A well exhibited and well listed artist, this oil on canvas is of her best work. Overall 33’ X 29”.

The large French charger is faience, possibly Nevers, 18^th century. All done in a spring theme with a bird and flowers.  No repairs and with age correct surface abrasion and rim chips. Diameter 15 ½”.  From a local collection.

The George III mahogany sideboard carries a scrolled back with dish holding rim with tambour like carving to all doors and drawers above spiral turned legs, all combining to create this charming and unusual piece.  No major repairs. Length 63’. Ca. 1810.

At front and just acquired, a pair of Hepplewhite side chairs in mahogany with pierced splats, slip seats and square tapering legs. This is a petite pair perfect for entry hall or room end.  Late 18^th century. Height 36”.

We are eager to hear your specific requests.

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob





Hello,

I am always in search of the unusual and was most pleased to discover this gem during recent travels. Was this a cabinet man’s gift as a jewelry chest? Or maybe a humidor for himself or a great sample piece to show clients his skill? This idyosyncratic and robust form is of bird’s eye maple contrasted with mahogany. Tulip poplar is the secondary wood. The brass appears to be period.

The lift top is bound by mitered mahogany and within a shaped rim with inlaid ivory compass points above a conforming lower case. Below a stepped cornice, both bowed drawer fronts ( the upper is faux) are bird’seye panels within figured mahogany and flanked by exceptional carved neoclassical columns and further by a leafage border. Each side repeats the excitement with matching bows. The stepped base rests on acanthus and paw carved feet with rear feet looking like upside down beehives. Height 17”, width 15”. Please inquire for further details.

Also, just in, Chinese 19^th century porcelain, left to right,

Ginger jar, 5 ½”.

2 Tung Che small ginger jars, height 3 ½’. Tea caddies.

And, “The Farmer’s Arms”, cup, early 19^th century English, To the background, a couple of pillows, 13” X 16” made of 17^th century Flemish tapestry fragments.

I must go now on a lead. Don’t hesitate to call on details. We look forward to your visit.

Best to you

     -Bob







(Almost) Spring Greetings,

The kidney shaped 19^th century neoclassical dressing stand is outstanding in the extensive use of satinwood throughout, highlighted with bandings and line inlays on the tops, edge, and aprons. The central section of the top lifts and the outboard tops swivel to reveal the compartmentalized interior. Below  the legs have ebonized line inlays and join with incurvate stretchers to a central oval shelf which shares inlays similar to the top.  H. 30”, W. 25”, D. 14”. Also, please note the oval English Hepplewhite tea caddy, circa 1790 in an unusual dark hardwood with contrasting inlay.

The second stand, probably for sewing, is late Georgian in the Hepplewhite style and is circa 1790-1810. The mahogany of this piece has a wonderful color and depth. The top is beautifully banded at the edge and rim. The top lifts to reveal a compartment from the case of two false and two working drawers. H. 26 ½”, top 25” X 13 ½”.

Above, an American oil painting of the early 1800s depicts John Makins, son of a sea captain and, by dress, perhaps one himself. In this classic view, the distant sea is shown to the right of a column and Makins rests in a red painted and gilt chair with a scrolled back holding a book. This is a charming piece and done with talent. Overall 34” X 29 ½”.

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images?

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob





Hello, This English 18^th century Georgian mahogany urn stand is a rare find. With a tray top to keep spills from the floor, three short drawers below hold spoons and tea strainers. Urn and kettle stands are usually low in height however, this model allows adjustment with a thumbscrew mounted on a sturdy ring collar, all in brass in a bronze tone. The pedestal is an urn form above molded and scrolled legs with scroll terminals. Further, the base is collared with a conforming brass strap to resolve typical shrinkage problems on the stem. The stand is in old finish with later layers of polish. Repairs are minimal and there is approprate evidence of wear overall. The top is 10 5/8” X  10 3/8”. Height at lowest 23” and highest 30”.

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images?

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob







Hello,

Period estate records tell us that sofas were fairly uncommon in American rooms in the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries. We now have this Federal mahogany sofa, circa 1820, available to join your other elegant furnishings. The detail of the curved is reeded above a slender urn turning on rings on a block that is reeded over a turned leg on original brass bucket casters. All is in a fine old finish with the frame covered in a proper type striped rose fabric. H. 34’, length 75”. .

The George III Chippendale armchair circa 1750-90 is a favorite and comfortable form. The balloon back is flanked by graceful molded serpentine arms on shaped seat. Below, the legs are molded and have recessed stretchers. Now covered in handsome printed linen. Fine old patina. H. 38’, extreme width 27”.  

Also shown, a Persian runner, old 20^th century, 2’ 9” X 16’ 9”. Italian Baroque style floor stand, circa 1910. Freshly rewired and reshaded. 

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? We are eager to hear your specific requests.

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob



Hello,  The 18^th century walnut English tea table holds several possibilities for this holiday’s gift giving. Please click on the attached images for detailed views.

A pair of English Sheffield plated wine coasters with typical seamed construction, cross reeded rims, and central silvered bosses. Mahogany bottoms. Circa 1800-30’s.

A highly unusual pair of reticulated wine coasters with reeded handles and vine rims with leafage and grapes. These are Sheffield plated, from the early to mid 19^th century. These are a handsome pair for the sideboard.

The German Deco cigarette case is sterling. The heavy case is engraved to looked faintly striped and has beveled sides. The interior has a spring loaded retainer with piercing. Perhaps we don’t smoke, but what a tasteful way to carry the license and credit cards. 4 ½” X 3 ¼” .

Also, we had started with the Georgian tea table and now can mention further the well carved tray edge top and the shaped apron below a cockbeaded drawer. Restored. L. 33”, D. 21”, H. 28 ½”.

We are eager to hear of your specific antique needs.

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob