Robert J Riesberg Antiques

Hello,

As a service for our newsletter subscribers, here is a draft of our upcoming national ad to be seen in the next issue of Maine Antiques Digest. At the time of mailing this preview letter, all pieces shown are available here for your inspection and purchase.

Inlaid card table, probably Boston or Salem, about 1810, with serpentine sides and front, canted and ovolo corners, and fine reeded legs with castors. The primary wood is mahogany with line inlay bounding dark banding on the edges of the tops, repeated and extensive panels of line and banding with fully filled panels of contrasting woods including wavy satinwood. $1500

Massachusetts lolling char, circa 1800, with molded arms and legs (finely restored 2" at foot). A Federal classic with a shaped crest and covered some time ago in Schumacher Williamsburg stripe (blue on off white) $1100.

19th century oil on board of a harbor at sunrise by Bernard Benedict Hemy, British, 1855-1913. Original gilt framing. Overall 15 1/2" X 16 1/2" $1200

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? 

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob

Hello, 

I'm pleased to offer this English Regency tilt top dining table circa 1810-30 (45" x 45 1/2', 29" Tall). This is a very recent local purchase. Its generous size should seat eight with no difficulty in chair placement. The top is reeded at the edge with slightly rounded corners. The stem is well turned and rests on four saber legs with reeded detail to the top surfaces. The feet are brass and fully reeded. Two huge mahogany planks with crotch grain form the top with only a minor shrinkage crack. The stem and the legs are unbroken and with a typical hidden and original wrought steel reinforcement below.

The elegant pair of brass candelabra is 19th century French and heavy cast with hand worked detail. The six curving brass arms terminate the pedaled candle holders and are filled out with prisms below upper tiers of prisms. Height 23 1/2" Diameter 14". At one time, these were drilled for electricity and could be wired again if you choose so. 

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

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob

Hello,

This mahogany pedestal games table is attributed to the Maryland area and has a well figured apron. Condition is sound with minor filled cracks on the main top. The robust but slender urn is above reeded legs terminating in cast brass paw feet. Circa 1810. 36" width. 

A gilt brass Louis XV style table lamp is old 20th century of the early 18th century style with vining leaves and porcelain flowers (minor losses). This unusual form has a vermillion red tole shade that is decorated with a gilt tendril band in an aged and crackled finish. Height 25"

The American neoclassical mirror has been cleaned to the original gilt surface. Rope twist columns flank the carved leafage tablet. Circa 1810’s-20. 

A semi-antique Hamadan "camel's hair" runner is in very good condition with minor wear. 12' X 2'9"

To the left is a handsomely upholstered 17th century Baroque Continental side chair. Turned in walnut.

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images?



Best regards and thanks, Bob. 

 Hello, 

This sunny port scene shows an American brig headed home to harbor (note the red flag at the masthead). A lighthouse appears to the left with many distant boats and a city to the right. Overall the painting and frame measures to 27" by 40 1/2". The reproduction faux painted frame was custom made. The serene 19th century view is against the background of puffy white clouds against blue skies. Ready for your mantelpiece. 

Also please note, the unusual oblong covered monogrammed early 19th century Chinese export vegetable dish in nice condition, but with minor glaze losses on the rims. No repairs or porcelain damage. 

A pair of Sheffield silver plated wine caddies, ca. 1800-30's. Minor wear to the inside rim and ready for your detailed polishing.

Please do not hesitate to call or email for more detailed images or to ask questions. We are eager to hear your specific requests.

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob



Hello

Large Regency mahogany banquet tables are often sought but seldom found. This 11' long English example, shown here without its additional leaves, was formerly in the dining room of one of the largest Lake Minnetonka mansions here. Recently, after 15 years of storage by the family, we brought it into our dining room. The huge planks of fine mahogany are supported by turned columns on arched legs, all terminating in cast claw feet. Height is 27 1/2" width 56 1/2", and full length with all leaves, 132". Like so many of these tables, old repairs and changes have been done over the years, but without diminishing the beauty of this early 19th century piece. An entertaining opportunity for your elegant dining room. 

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



Best regards and thanks

     -Bob

Hello, 

I hope you can share the excitement of my purchase yesterday of a rare and wonderful tall case clock. From the Pennsylvania are in the late 18th century, the walnut case is heavily inlaid and veneered on the entire facade with the most desirable woods available in this period. Birdseye maple and curly maple are combined with ebony for striking contrasts and high style. Unusual features include freestanding columns above and below over a bracket base with a drop panel skirt. The work is a bras two train movement with a signed English false plate, both brass plates with cut out legs (distinctly American), wooden pendulum and a brass faced bob filled with lead which was poured onto iron bits. The work appears quite complete but has not been run for some time. Height is 93". There are some typical expected repairs and minor losses, but still retaining the original bottom board and feet. The clock has very warm, deep color and is here awaiting your critical inspection.

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

Best regards and thanks

     -Bob



Hello, 

I just purchased this shapely American Sheraton wing chair, circa 1810. The mahogany front legs are well turned, the wings have a strong serpentine outline, and the arms are horizontally scrolled, and the frame is in sound condition. In useable older flame stitch cover. Height of 46", Width (at the widest point) 30".

A second American Sheraton period win chair offered is also pictured in the attached images. This chair dates about 1810-20 and is in a blue cotton damask. The wings have compound curves from both views and create a very deep and cozy chair. The mahogany legs are fully reeded. Height 45 1/2", Width 34" 

The oil on canvas barn from a local collection scene has appealing detail with barns and a lily pad pond beneath a blue summer sky with scattering clouds. The artist is A. H. Binder who painted and exhibited in Boston in the late 19th century. 29" X 34" overall.

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images?

Thanks and regards,

     -Bob



Hello,

I'm pleased to offer my recent purchase, a Continental commode from the early 1800's. A molded overhang top above three drawers is over a concealed drawer in the apron. the real excitement is in the bold and naive application of faux graining and inlays imaging flame grained exotic woods, line inlays, burls, and detailed pattern both at the face and top. The words, "folk art", come to mind immediately in any description of work with this vibrancy and imagination. Height 35", Depth 22", and Width 40". No major repairs and with original painted surface. 

I bought this local estate piece this week for its pedestal bases which allow all chairs to fit well near the top. English, and of the period 1830-40's, this strong mahogany extension table has molded edges with shallow aprons above  baluster stems with modified saber legs terminating in brass cap castors. Height 29 1/4", 50" Width and 90" length with an additional conforming "end leaf" giving another 24". Polished and ready for your next part. Please call for details.

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? We look forwards to your visit. Limited appointments available for this weekend as well.



Best regards and thanks

     -Bob

Hello,

It is a pleasure to offer this early "Queen Anne" wing chair from the most desirable of the early periods. This comfortable chair just arrived today from an exclusive local collection and reflects the finest care. The recent and correct type silk damask cover is in marvelous condition. The color choice of this soft light antique beige-gold should be a complement to any room palates. The 18th century frame is sturdy and in good order with correct cabriole legs front and rear. There are no major repairs. The cabriole front legs are slender and well carved with slipper feet. The hips are flanked by c-scrolls and carved with "lappet" details (meaning ear or slender leaf-life). Above, the serpentine wings are over horizontally rolled scrolled arms on a conforming seat with a down cushion. 18th century elegance awaits your call. 

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

Hello,

The huge Chinese porcelain fishbowl (21" wide and 18 1/2" tall) is the largest that we have owned. The colors are greens, bittersweet red, and yellow with black outlining. There are no repairs or cracks; however I will point out some wear at the edge of the rim, obviously from rolling the heavy bowl along the ground to place it. The paneled side shows burs and foliage within fields of floral detail between banded rims. The upper flange is strewn with flowers and tendrils. 19th or early 20th century.

We are eager to hear your specific requests. Please do not hesitate to call or email for more detailed images or to ask questions.

Thanks and regards

     -Bob

Hello, 

Just arrived to our door, this lovely walnut English 18th century lowboy is good order and in old finish. The molded edge overhang top with random width boards is above a central drawer with a thumbnail molded edge on so-called "straight cabriole" legs with pad feet. Call it "Country Queen Anne" if you like. The top is 19" X 29" with 26 1/2" height, useful as a lamp table or a nightstand.

This week's treasures include an 19h century Welsh dresser or open cupboard, always pleasing for its display shelves an open storage below. Would you use this as display in kitchen or dining room for pewter, export china, or leather bound books? This one has a deep patina in its dark oak. The original wrought cup hooks are still in place above grooved shelves to hold plates. Width 59" Height 72" The Chinese export plates are the late 18th century, 2 1/2" to 11" diameter. Some minor hairlines.

The early Dutch style commode or chest is exceptionally well carved with complex serpentine fronts below a conforming top. There is a nice depth of color here reflecting its late 18thor early 19th century origin. Please note the elegant shaped edge. The low height, 30" begs use in the front hall or living room with a lamp. Width 28". The terracotta 19th century jars above, restored, are Mediterranean and in desirable ovoid forms. 

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images? 

Hello,

We just acquired this French provincial Reclaimer, fruitwood, late 19th or early 19th century. The curves of the Louis XV legs are repeated in the reclined backs. Recent antique pale gold velvet cover. Length 71', Depth 25". 

The remarkable English Regency armchair is early 19th century in the fully decorated manner of the period. At the crest, five putti play with floral and ribbon festoons within a panel above a green canopy flanked by ram's heads on a lattice over swags, a tassel, and roping. The vertical stiles are detailed wit mini-swags and stacked flower heads. Still not finished, the painter rimmed the seat with swags and further trimmed the legs to complete his playful masterpiece. This chair could be the lighthearted relief to a room of more serious dark hardwoods. Height 34"

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



Thanks and regards

     -Bob

Hello,

This impressionist oil on canvas by Henry Lerolle (1848-1929), entitled "The Resting Place" could give your rooms a year around feeling of summer. Professionally cleaned and revarnished, this French landscape is in excellent condition. The wonderful gilt frame is a wide elaborate plaster relief period piece. Significantly, provenance includes ownership by the Walkers of Walker Art Museum fame with written documentation. 

In this scene, two women rest at a rustic bench amongst white flowers of the summer with the sunlit French countryside offering views of a nearby house and distant hills. This appealing subject matter is warmed by soft colors of foliage in its summer hues. View size is 23 1/2" X 28 3/4". Relined. Signed lower left.

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



Thanks and regards

     -Bob

Hello,

It is my pleasure to offer this fine pair of exceptional mahogany 19th century Chippendale torchbearers or tall candle stands. The octagonal tops have molded and splayed sides centered on flame-grained tops. Below, the turnings begin with a long fluted spiral above a spiral reeded urn over a ring on pedaled baluster with a lower spiral reeded bowl over a turned urn. This rests on well proportioned cabriole legs with snake feet. These have beautiful color and polished old finish. Height of 45", top width 10 1/2". 

The classical aggregate urns, a group of three, are of architectural origin, circa 1900-10. These have developed a bit of a moss layer, which turns greenish in the rain. A tasteful garden appointment. Height 21" Depth of 16".

Also note on the brass candlesticks which have petal, topped baluster stem and dished square bases. These date about 1730-40. See The Brass Book by Schiffer, page 283, for similar. 9+" height. 

May I answer further questions or provide more detailed images?