Description
Tall 78" x 24" Curio, unknown hardwood covered in gold leaf Priced at $3250
This was my grandmother's cabinet and has the original Alonzi Furniture label under the base. There is a date 5/24/1969 but I believe this was the date transferred to Bass furniture for sale.
The cabinet has a very heavy base which opens as a separate storage cabinet. It has three adjustable cut glass shelves in a shamrock shape. The shape of the piece is unusual, with beautiful custom curveed glass and an Asian motif in the relief molding. There is a light in the ceiling of the curio.
I would love to know what kind of wood this is made from, and some history as well as an approximate value.
Re: Antique Gilded Curio, Alonzi Furniture Chicago, 78"x 24"...
This is not an Asian work (This item is listed in Asian) However, the name Alonzi is an Italian surname and this work could very well be around that date you have listed regarding Bass Furniture. I found an advertisement about a "Furniture Exhibition" in Chicago in 1920's that had Alonzi furniture's name listed in the furniture store's participating in the Exhibition. I tried finding out about the company, how long they had been in existence, yet to no avail. Yet, we now know that they had been in business in the 1920's. If this piece had been created back in that time.. it would not have made it to Bass Furniture's floor room.. It is probably a vintage work, near the date that is noted on the item. The Alonzi Furniture company could have been around longer than that advertisement, if I were you, I would do some more research and try to locate more info as to exactly how long they have been in business and perhaps if they are still in business and try contacting them to see if they could possibly give you any information. Yet, that advertisement was nearly a century ago, so we know that it could have been created anytime in the last century.. even if it was 1969.. that was 47 years ago.. almost 48.. it could have been a few years prior to that, that it was officially "created".. it could be a half century old.. it's defininately an antique/vintage piece.. (I also just read that Loretto Alonzi came from Sora Italy and started Alonzi furniture in Chicago and then passed away in his 70's.. yet, there were two more people after him that ran the company.. that I had found, since then. Loretto had six children and at least three grandchildren.. that any of them could have taken over the store, yet, we are talking about three generations.. so there is no telling how long ago their store originally opened. Yet, we know they existed in the 1920's, and were either well establised, and renowned for their furniture, in order to be in a furniture exhibit at that time.. or, the exhibit was to introduce new furniture companies..) if I find anything else out, I will let you know..
Re: Antique Gilded Curio, Alonzi Furniture Chicago, 78"x 24"...
Based on what I can see in the images it's unlikely this piece predates the 1950's, a 1960's date of produyction is more on the mark, as furniture like this was in vogue during the mid to late 1960's.