Mahogany has a straight, fine, and even grain, and is relatively free of voids and pockets. Its reddish-brown color darkens over time, and displays a reddish sheen when polished. It has excellent workability, and is very durable. Historically, the tree’s girth allowed for wide boards from traditional mahogany species. These properties make it a favorable wood for crafting cabinets and furniture.
Much of the first-quality furniture made in the American colonies from the mid 18th century was made of mahogany, when the wood first became available to American craftsmen. Reference: Wikipedia
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Nouveau mahogany items including a set of four side chairs and an inlaid two tier occasional table.
These two side tables of mahogany, with inlaid sycamore and other veneers, were made between 1900 and 1910 by Liberty and Co. of London. The tables are decorated with a stylised rose design typical of Scottish Art Nouveau
Reference: Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences
A SET OF FOUR ART NOUVEAU MAHOGANY SIDE CHAIRS, CIRCA 1900, ATTRIBUTED TO EDOUARD DIOT, PROBABLY MADE BY MAISON DIOT OF PARIS upholstered in close-nail Ru ‘Logwood’ velvet
Sold for 756 GBP at Sotheby’s in 2020
LOUIS MAJORELLE ‘La Vigne’ A carved mahogony Sideboard Cabinet, circa 1900 with two wrought iron and glazed cupboards each enclosing two glass shelves, flanking a central glazed cupboard above an open recess, the inverted breakfront top above a pair of drawers and a pair of carved panelled cupboards, flanked by a further two bowed cupboards, on a moulded plinth 219cm wide, 56cm deep, 225cm high, inlaid ‘Majorelle Nancy’
Sold for £ 6,000 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2010
AN ART NOUVEAU MARQUETRY MAHOGANY AND LEADED GLASS SHOWCASE With grey mock velvet lined interior
Sold for EUR 660 at Christie’s in 2005
Louis Majorelle Art Nouveau Bronze-Mounted Fruitwood Marquetry Inlaid Mahogany Two-Tier Occasional Table Circa 1900 Height 32 inches, width 34 inches, depth 23 inches.
In two tiers with floral marquetry shelves, signed L. Majorelle in marquetry
Sold for $3,125 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2018
Art Nouveau Mantle Clock Attrib Georges E Nowak
Mahogany with brass floral decorations, wing form hands, and foliate pendulum. Mother of pearl and brass inlay. MEASUREMENTS: 19-1/2″ high x 8-1/2″ wide
Sold for $2,100 at Cordier Auctions & Appraisals in 2021
