Carved Walnut Commode Appraisal

Late Victorian Eastlake Style Carved Walnut Commode

This is a late Victorian commode or washstand, likely dating from the 1880s to 1890s, showcasing the characteristics of the Eastlake movement mixed with provincial charm. The piece is constructed from walnut with a warm, aged patina. It features a single full-width top drawer with an inset diamond-shaped brass escutcheon and two brass bail handles. Below the top drawer is a small two-drawer stack on the left and a single paneled cabinet door on the right. The drawer fronts and the central door panel are decorated with shallow, stylized floral and leaf carvings typical of the era. The hardware consists of ornately stamped brass backplates and swing handles, showing some oxidation and a dull gold luster. The construction includes a solid plinth base and rectangular side panels. In terms of condition, the wood shows significant surface wear, including various scuffs along the bottom plinth, minor nicks in the wood grain, and potential fading of the finish on the top surface. The small brass door knob appears to be a later replacement compared to the more ornate drawer hardware. Overall, the piece exhibits the sturdy, functional craftsmanship associated with late 19th-century American or European furniture manufacture.