ANTIQUE GOTHIC REVIVAL PRIE-DIEU KNEELING BENCH

[1900]. Novelty. Antique Gothic Revival 'Prie-Dieu' Kneeling Bench, entirely unrestored with original finish and upholstery. 17' x 18' x 34'. 'Ebonized' black-stained hardwood with lathe-turned posts and stretchers, centered on a hand-carved cross above fleur-de-lis trefoil. Amrest and kneeler with original hand-stitched wool needlepoint in red, cream, black, and gold. The armrest bears an IHS Christogram, and the kneeler with Dominican heraldic coat of arms. Trimmed with brass tacks and gimp, stuffed with horsehair, and backed in burlap. Entirely unrestored, with original finish and upholstery. The needlework, sanctified by many knees and elbows, shows wear and fraying. Slight play in the rear legs, but structurally sound. Unmarked. Our seller held it to have been made in New Orleans around the turn of the century, a plausible spatio-temporal location but unconfirmed in the absence of any maker's marks. The form is consistent with French Napoleon III-era examples, c. 1860-1890. Shipping available to the Lower 48 at $150. VERY GOOD / Very Good. Item #515161

Price: $850.00