Choice Early Lighting
Lamp Stand (Tidy)  

New England, ca. late 18th/early 19th century. Maple, in rich natural patina.

Exceptionally lathe-turned by a skilled turner. Just look at that form: broad base for aesthetics and stability from tipping, tapering column with slight center-swell centering two beautifully formed knops, and round slightly recessed top for holding small fluid lamps, or even candles. Note the accretion on the top, accumulated over years of use.

Seldom does one find a tidy made with such skill and matched by his eye for design. Likely influenced by the form of silver or brass candlesticks of the period. Super condition.

Slow lathe tooling marks readily visible; smooth burnishing about the underside edge of the base from table wear (just as one should see and feel). About 6 inches tall, base diameter (shrunk out of round) about 4 1/2 x 4 ¼, top diameter 2 7/8.

From a private New England collection.