An important collection of over 35 pieces of John Henry Belter furniture, to include an exceedingly rare pierce-carved laminated bed (one of only two known), will be sold by Hal Hunt Auctions on Saturday, Feb. 21, beginning at 10 a.m. A preview will be held Friday, Feb. 20, from 10-6. The only other known example of the bed is on display at The Brooklyn Museum in New York.
The Belter pieces – all circa 1850s – are from the estate of Gerald Lawhorn, who recently passed away in Georgia, where he lived at his magnificent home, called Cypress Pond Plantation. “Mr. Lawhorn was a very discerning collector,” said Hal Hunt. “This is a rare opportunity for the established collector, as well as the savvy beginner, to bid on some truly wonderful Belter pieces and other items.”
The pierce-carved laminated bed is stamped (or embossed) in six places, with a patent date. It is also labeled on the inside and signed John Henry Belter. There is a matching dresser, also stamped and signed by Belter. The bed is pictured in the book, American Furniture of the 19th Century, 1840s-1880s. Other pieces from Mr. Lawhorn’s vast collection are also pictured in the book. All of them will be sold.
Additional Belter furniture pieces in Mr. Lawhorn’s collection include the following:
A 10-piece “Milwaukee” pattern parlor suite, very rare.
Pierce-carved center tables.
A “Rosalie” pattern center table with matching etageres.
Another etagere.
A “Tutthill King” pattern sofa and side chair.
A “Fountain Elms” pattern recamier (fainting couch).
A pierce-carved server.
A dressing vanity with matching cheval mirror.
An armoire.
A marble-top center table.
About six slipper chairs.
Hal Hunt Auctions is accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you can call them at (205) 333-2517, or e-mail them at [email protected].
For more information about Hal Hunt Auctions and its calendar of upcoming sales, log on to www.halhunt.com.