
Art Deco Waterfall Gentleman's Wardrobe
This is a vintage Art Deco style gentleman's wardrobe, commonly referred to as a chifforobe, dating approximately from the 1930s to the 1940s. The piece features the iconic 'waterfall' rounded top edges characteristic of the era. It is constructed with decorative wood veneers, likely a combination of walnut and burl, displaying book-matched patterns on the drawer fronts for a symmetrical aesthetic. The unit is divided into two main sections: a full-length door on the left inset with a tall, scalloped-edge mirror, and a stack of five drawers on the right. The hardware includes original Bakelite or early plastic handles with metallic accents and a distinctive central 'roll-top' style drawer front with fluted detailing. Condition issues are visible, including significant surface crazing and loss of the shellac or lacquer finish on the side panels and base. There are visible scratches, chips in the veneer along the bottom edges, and clouding or silvering loss on the mirror. The craftsmanship reveals mass-production techniques of the mid-20th century, using ply-core construction under fancy veneers. Despite the wear, the piece retains its structural integrity and all original ornamental hardware.
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Estimated Value
$350 - $550
Basic Information
Category
Antique Furniture
Appraised On
January 3, 2026
Estimated Value
$350 - $550
Item Description
This is a vintage Art Deco style gentleman's wardrobe, commonly referred to as a chifforobe, dating approximately from the 1930s to the 1940s. The piece features the iconic 'waterfall' rounded top edges characteristic of the era. It is constructed with decorative wood veneers, likely a combination of walnut and burl, displaying book-matched patterns on the drawer fronts for a symmetrical aesthetic. The unit is divided into two main sections: a full-length door on the left inset with a tall, scalloped-edge mirror, and a stack of five drawers on the right. The hardware includes original Bakelite or early plastic handles with metallic accents and a distinctive central 'roll-top' style drawer front with fluted detailing. Condition issues are visible, including significant surface crazing and loss of the shellac or lacquer finish on the side panels and base. There are visible scratches, chips in the veneer along the bottom edges, and clouding or silvering loss on the mirror. The craftsmanship reveals mass-production techniques of the mid-20th century, using ply-core construction under fancy veneers. Despite the wear, the piece retains its structural integrity and all original ornamental hardware.
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