Circa 1890 Aesthetic parlor center or library TABLE,
- solid prima vera (mahogany),
- Merklen Bros, NYC,
- four patent productions on this particular example;
- 1) machine patent open double spiral canted legs,
- 2) design patent 1888 cast brass lions head holding wood ball feet,
- 3) design patent 1889 cast brass rocaille scroll shelf brackets,
- 4) machine patent spiral rope molding on skirt (different patent than leg spiral),
- ink numbered “766” under top.
- A top example of this form in both execution, proportion and condition.
- dis-assembled for FedEx shipping if desired.

29” tall, 30” square.
Condition – solid, excellent restored original finish, cleaned original surface on castings.       2226

Merklen Brothers, NYC (1881-1897). Brothers- Martin, Benjamin and Valentin with production, spiral and design patents recorded in their names.
- The Merklens also cooperated with CS (Moses Y) Ransom and Co, Cleveland, OH (early 1880s-1897). They most likely connected via Ransom's NYC office and with Ransom’s similar patents popular at the time.
- 1) Leg This interlocking leg spiral machine patent by Moses Y Ransom, Sept 15, 1885, US326329A (fig 2). 
- 2) Feet - This lion head with teeth held wood ball foot is marked “Pat Apr 24 88”, patented and assigned to Merklen, Emile Garet (Merklen factory sculptor) design patent Apr 24, 1888, USD18266S.
- 3) Bracket - This shelf bracket is marked “Pat Sep 5 89”, design patent by Martin Merklen on Mar 9, 1889, USD19296S.
- 4) Skirt - This apron molding was produced using machine patent by Moses Y Ransom on Oct 28, 1884, US307332A.
- Merklen Brothers held several patents for turning machines to make spiral reeding and turnings, This table is produced with two different spiral machine patents.


- Castings were done in the Merklen company by a full time sculptor with typical interesting motif of dragons, lion heads, bat wings. There is a link to the only known photo of the Merklen sculptor, Emil Garet, at work on his commission of the United States Capitol building, (per my conversation with Paul Tucker, author of Antiques, May 05 article) 
- Original Merklen ads state that items could be purchased in Cherry, Oak, Mahogany and Prima Vera, each was progressively higher priced with Prima Vera seeming to be at the top and is a lighter color, finer and denser grade of mahogany.
- This table wood is Prima Vera as the one shown on pg 120 in the Antiques article seems to be. (personal observations)
- These are tables often mistakenly attributed to George Hunzinger Company which did make many innovative furniture forms.


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- Shipping - dis-assembled - check shipping tab for FedEx Ground for USA continental.
                          Packaged next day. 3-5 day shipping time. 
                  - contact me for confirmation or additional options.
 
                  - Local pickup available.

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Selection of items from local estates.
My world ebay page - Circa19thCentury


- I am located on the Alabama/Florida state line (near Pensacola in Northwest Florida).  You may arrange for personal pickup.  I am 250 miles from/between Atlanta, GA and New Orleans, LA, 180 miles south of Birmingham, AL.


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about me
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My business policy and goals.

I have been in the auction and antique business experience for forty-plus years, my current goal is to provide furnishings online for the 19th century American home or show spots in the contemporary home. I search for items to offer with special “fine points”, rare form, high quality construction and historical interest.
- On eBay - I do offer additional items that I find which are compatible high quality 20th century pieces or just something I found in those searches for “the better”. These other items are offered at much less $$s than their higher quality counterparts.

- Prior to purchase, Please correspond, question and request photos to
confirm any concerns or particular collecting requirements you may have. I do appreciate and value communication with my clients and thrive on repeat customers to the point of providing full-house antiques sales and advising of 19th century historical antiques.
- Condition - While you are perusing online or searching for purchases,
my objective is to post clear condition report and photos so you have all your questions answered on the item you find interesting. I am more than happy to answer any concerns or provide additional photos. I value correspondence.

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Shipping (shipping tab) The amount shown is set by eBay shipping calculator to use actual costs and include full insurance on your items up to the 1000 maximum that most companies provide (USPS, FedEx). Above that 1000 maximum, check with your homeowner provider for the most reasonable and comfortable charges.
Please contact for quotes. Quotes for furniture delivery by blanket-wrap companies include insurance to full value. Shipping using a single truck shipper that I use is approx four weeks in eastern US / Texas. National shipping using Plycon is approx 3-4 weeks.

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n respect of the time, costs of shipping and returning items,
I ask that you do not return simply “because you don’t like it”.

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Positive feedback and five-star ratings are sought, after which I will reciprocate.


Happy Collecting, I do provide considerable research on my Pinterest page with comparables of the “fine point” items of various periods of history, etc,
Nevin Heller