Type: Antique Hall Tree / Entryway Bench with Mirrors
Dimensions: 54" wide x 7' tall
Estimated Weight: ~200 lbs
Condition: Excellent
Provenance: Purchased at an estate sale in Natchez, MS
For Sale: No
Identification & Historical Context
This is a late 19th-century to early 20th-centuryVictorian-style hall tree, likely made from solid oak or walnut, featuring:
Multiple oval and round beveled mirrors
Carved geometric and floral motifs
Brass or cast iron coat hooks
Umbrella/cane stand with drip tray
Storage bench with a lift-top or drawer compartments
Origin & Style
The Victorian era (1837-1901) popularized ornate hall trees to serve as functional furniture in grand entryways.
This piece likely dates to circa 1880-1910, as suggested by the beveled mirrors, carved details, and mixed-use functionality.
The design and craftsmanship suggest it could be American-made or European-imported, possibly from a Southern estate in Natchez, MS, which has a history of high-end furnishings.
Christie’s or Sotheby’s Decorative Arts & Furniture
Regional Auction Houses (New Orleans Auction Galleries, Neal Auction Co.)
Victorian Furniture Specialists & Collectors
Dealers specializing in 19th-century American or European entryway furniture
Conclusion
This is a highly collectible, well-preserved Victorian hall tree, valued at $1,500 - $5,000+ USD, depending on the selling venue. Given its estate provenance and Southern historical interest, it may fetch a premium price in a high-end auction or specialty antique sale.
Your piece is a Victorian piece in the "Eastlake style", circa 1880, the style getting its name from Charles Eastlake, who wrote a book entitled "Hints on Household Taste" in 1868. In this influential book he rejected the ornate decorations favored on earlier Victorian furniture and espoused simpler more incised rectangular lines sparingly accented with machined forms, and raised panels with figured veneers for decoration. Eastlake furniture was produced on both sides of the Atlantic from about 1870- 1890, the American version of this style were more ornate than Eastlake's original designs, but his name has been forever linked to this furniture ever since. The majority of American Eastlake furniture was constructed of walnut, with later pieces being made of lighter colored hardwoods such as maple, oak and ash. The earlier piece such as yours in walnut tend to be much higher quality than the later examples, which were mass produced on a much larger scale by the 1890's. Today the demand for Victorian furniture has softened due to changing tastes of collectors and the sheer number of pieces on the market. Speculation is that this is a result of the "Downsizing" of the "Baby Boom" generation that is now heading for retirement. In the current market values for comparable Eastlake pieces varies a huge amount depending on local demand, often selling at auction under $1000.00
Antique Hall Tree
Item Overview
Identification & Historical Context
This is a late 19th-century to early 20th-century Victorian-style hall tree, likely made from solid oak or walnut, featuring:
Origin & Style
Market Value Estimate
Professional Appraisal Recommendation
To determine exact age, maker, and premium value, consider:
Conclusion
This is a highly collectible, well-preserved Victorian hall tree, valued at $1,500 - $5,000+ USD, depending on the selling venue. Given its estate provenance and Southern historical interest, it may fetch a premium price in a high-end auction or specialty antique sale.
Your piece is a Victorian…
Your piece is a Victorian piece in the "Eastlake style", circa 1880, the style getting its name from Charles Eastlake, who wrote a book entitled "Hints on Household Taste" in 1868. In this influential book he rejected the ornate decorations favored on earlier Victorian furniture and espoused simpler more incised rectangular lines sparingly accented with machined forms, and raised panels with figured veneers for decoration. Eastlake furniture was produced on both sides of the Atlantic from about 1870- 1890, the American version of this style were more ornate than Eastlake's original designs, but his name has been forever linked to this furniture ever since. The majority of American Eastlake furniture was constructed of walnut, with later pieces being made of lighter colored hardwoods such as maple, oak and ash. The earlier piece such as yours in walnut tend to be much higher quality than the later examples, which were mass produced on a much larger scale by the 1890's. Today the demand for Victorian furniture has softened due to changing tastes of collectors and the sheer number of pieces on the market. Speculation is that this is a result of the "Downsizing" of the "Baby Boom" generation that is now heading for retirement. In the current market values for comparable Eastlake pieces varies a huge amount depending on local demand, often selling at auction under $1000.00