Canadian Eastern Seaboard Mahogany Sideboard

A very good & important early 19th century Canadian Eastern Seaboard sideboard in mahogany, the top featuring a superstructure fitted with three drawers overtop a base fitted with a central drawer over carved spandrels and flanked on either side by a large drawer, all with cock-beaded detail, original locks & replaced brass back-plates with bail handles, raised overall on opposing rope-carved front supports with reeded knees, together with plain rear supports in back. Although unsigned this very fine piece of early 19th century cabinetry demonstrates several key design elements strongly associated with the workshop of noted Saint John New Brunswick cabinetmaker, Thomas Nisbet (1777-1850). That being said, similar design elements can also be found on examples by one other highly celebrated New Brunswick cabinetmaker, Alexander Lawrence (1788-1843) who was perhaps Nisbet's closest contemporary both in terms of design & quality, but who very seldom if ever signed his work. It is also perhaps worth mentioning that although the concept of incorporating the three drawer superstructure appears atypical in comparison to most known examples of either man's work, it is most definitely of Scottish influence which would be consistent with the early training that both the aforementioned Scottish-born cabinetmakers would have received. Therefore in observance of these determinations, we can comfortably attribute this sideboard with some degree of certainty to one of these two fine & important Canadian cabinetmakers workshops. Provenance: By direct descent from a New Brunswick Family Estate. Dimensions, 45" high x 69" wide x 23" deep.
Condition Report: Restoration to underside of carcass. Replaced back plates.