19th Century Carved Oak Hunt Style Dining Set Overview
This monumental 19th-century hunt dining suite, hand-carved from solid oak by a master craftsman, is inspired by the renowned cabinetmaker Alexander Roux. It is a museum-quality collection that exemplifies the grandeur of French Renaissance and Black Forest influences. Richly decorated with grapes, leaves, and Renaissance motifs in the Black Forest/Hunt style, the set is visually striking and serves as a remarkable conversation piece. Consisting of 16 pieces, each showcases exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Originally imported from England in the 1940s and believed to have been crafted in the 1800s in France, this set boasts extraordinary historical significance and a commanding presence.
Adding to its provenance, the collection was discovered by the seller’s grandmother at a Louisiana estate sale in the late 1950s. At that time, the set was coated in high-gloss black lacquer, which was professionally stripped and refinished, restoring its elegant dark oak finish. This restoration revived the original beauty of the wood and preserved the set’s unique character, making it an exceptional centerpiece for any collection.
Key Features
The centerpiece table is distinguished by its lion paw feet and meticulously hand-carved apron, offering an adjustable length from 55 inches up to an impressive 144 inches. The set includes two captain’s armchairs and eight matching side chairs, each intricately decorated with hunting and nature motifs—note that a few chairs require restoration. Complementing the seating arrangement, the sideboard/credenza and bar/buffet cabinets are equally ornate, paired with a grand 4x6-foot carved wall mirror. Completing the suite, a carved china cabinet and a glass-front display cabinet are ideal for displaying stemware or prized collectibles, creating a unified and visually striking dining ensemble.
Every piece remains structurally sound, exhibiting only age-appropriate cosmetic wear such as scuffs and upholstery updates. There are a few areas of wood damage and chew marks on the table feet, and a couple of chairs, reflecting their storied history with pets, and one glass panel in the display cabinet has a crack. These minor imperfections do not detract from the set’s remarkable craftsmanship, historical significance, or commanding visual presence.
Item Details:
• Quantity: 16 pieces total (1 table, 10 chairs, 1 sideboard, 1 bar, 1 mirror, 1 china cabinet, 1 glass display cabinet)
• Material: Solid Oak
• Style: French Renaissance, Black Forest, Victorian
• Styled After: Alexander Roux
• Country of Origin: England
• Period Made: 19th Century (1800s)
• Condition: Good - minor cosmetic wear due to age, structurally sound
• Original Condition: Professionally refinished in the late 1950's to restore original luster, maintaining historical integrity while enhancing durability and appearance.
• Imperfections: Some cosmetic imperfections, suitable for display or use
Dimensions:
• Dining Table: 55" W (collapsed) to 144" W (extended) x 55" D x 30" H
• Captain’s Chairs (2): Standard armchair dimensions
• Side Chairs (8): Standard dining chair dimensions
• Sideboard/Credenza: 78" W x 80" H x 21" D
• Bar/Buffet Cabinet: 42" W x 50" H x 21" D
• Wall Mirror: 4’ W x 6’ H (mirror glass: 35" W x 50" H)
• China Cabinet: Dimensions: 58" W x 75.5" H x 18" D
• Glass Cabinet for Stemware/Display: Dimensions: 50" W x 56.5" H x 14.5" D