Large Southern Late Federal Carved Walnut Serpentine Sideboard

Attributed to John C. Burgner (1797-1863) shop (1818-1844), East TN/Western NC, circa 1830, burl walnut veneer, figured maple, yellow pine secondary, one part form, the distinctive sideboard features a distinctive gallery which has four horizontal burl wood panels surmounted by a broken arched pediment with central finial, each side with tiered wave crest, finial posts support stiles, the case with two central bow-front drawers flanked by two concave stacked drawers to each side all with cock beaded edge, above four hinged raised panel cabinet doors, applied half column stiles with spiral twist, paneled sides, stepped and applied molded base raised on six bold turned feet.

64.25 x (height to pediment 62 in.) x 76 x 30 in.

Private Collection, Asheville, North Carolina

Note: the two central bow-front drawers feature central tiger maple panels; and the stepped molded base is in tiger maple. While there are a few mentioned repairs, this example is generally in original estate condition retaining old and likely original surface featuring geometric folky carvings.

Ref. Cabinetmaking in the Southern Backcountry: The Ledger Book of John C. Burgner, 1818–1844, Daniel Kurt Ackermann, MESDA Journal 2021-2022 Vol 42-43


One wave crest spur original but reset to the right side; three of the finials with chipping and loss at upper ring; top with shrinkage separation between the boards, dark staining and wear; two locks missing; some drawer runners rebuilt; left and right central hinged doors both with break out and repair at hinges (upper right hinge currently loose); left lower cabinet missing shelf; left case side with sun fading and surface distress.