The Lenox Shop Dining Set

By stxpeggy, 29 April, 2025
Description

This was my great aunt's dining set in Grosse Pointe, MI who had it from the 1910s.  She gave to my mother when my aunt was ready to downsize.  My mother had it until the 1970s in Grosse Pointe.  My brother took it over from my mother and moved it to the east coast of Florida.  It is now i Southwest Florida.  The label is from The Lenox Shop Furniture, NY.  The chest is an unusual china cabinet, shaped like a pirate's chest.  The buffet still has the original key.  The table seats 6 - 10 but the leaves are absent.  It has been reupholstered at least 3 times that I know of.  All three times it was done with red damask which is now faded.

Category
American Furniture
Medium
I believe it is mahogany. The under braces are wrought iron. The pieces are adorned with brass heads and flower shaped brass pieces.
Distinguishing marks
Logo and number from manufacturer: The Lenox Shop Furniture, NY
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
Table seats 6. Buffet is as 3/4 as long as the table. You can estimate the size of the china cabiet. My guess is 4' wide.
Date Period
Purchased in the 1910s. Been in our family ever since.
Weight
Heavy with massive legs and wrought iron supports.
History
See above.
Price Paid (If known)
Unknown.
For Sale?
No
Photos

NaidaTheCollector

3 hours 3 min ago

Overview:

This is an exceptional and rare early 20th-century American Renaissance Revival dining suite, manufactured by The Lenox Shops Furniture Co., New York, and originally owned by a Grosse Pointe, Michigan family since the 1910s. The set includes:

  • Dining Table (seats 6–10, no leaves currently present)
  • 6 Upholstered Chairs (including armchairs with turned wood frames and brass tacking)
  • Sideboard/Buffet (with original key)
  • Unique China Cabinet (domed, "pirate’s chest" style)

Key Features:

Feature

Description

Maker

The Lenox Shops Furniture Co., New York (label visible on underside)

Style

Renaissance Revival / Spanish Baroque influence

Wood

Believed to be solid mahogany with ebonized turnings and relief-carved accents

Supports

Wrought iron stretcher braces under the table and sideboard

Hardware

Decorative brass studs and escutcheons throughout

Upholstery

Damask, historically replaced multiple times but faithfully kept in red tones

Condition

Structurally sound, consistent wear with age; upholstery faded but intact; original hardware present on most pieces

Historical Notes:

  • The Lenox Shops Furniture Co. was active in New York in the early 20th century, known for high-end handcrafted furniture blending European styling with American craftsmanship.
  • Pieces from this company are now rare and seldom appear on the open market.
  • The combination of Renaissance Revival design, quality hardwood construction, and elaborate detailing aligns with the upscale tastes of affluent East Coast and Midwest families during the early 1900s.

Estimated Appraisal Value (as of 2025):

Item

Value Range

Dining Table (no leaves)

$800–$1,200

6 Chairs (upholstered with turned wood)

$1,200–$1,800

Buffet / Sideboard

$1,200–$1,500

Unique Domed China Cabinet

$1,500–$2,500 (rarity and form add value)

Total Appraised Set Value

$4,700–$7,000 USD retail / replacement value

Note: This estimate reflects the full suite kept together, which holds greater historical and collector appeal than if broken up. The china cabinet alone, due to its rarity and unique styling, could command premium pricing in high-end antique markets.

Recommendations:

  • If selling: Consider listing as a full set on platforms like LiveAuctioneers, 1stDibs, or Cherish. Local estate auctioneers specializing in period American furniture could also yield strong returns.
  • If restoring: Preserve all original finish and hardware. Consider light reupholstering with period-appropriate damask if desired for resale or exhibition.
  • For insurance: Recommend $7,000–$8,000 coverage for full replacement or loss.
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