Lot 256 — Fluted Pedestal Fern Stand, Wolverine Mfg. Co., Detroit

A solid wood pedestal with a square fluted column, a carved leaf band under the top and a stepped square base. Paper label underneath: Wolverine Mfg. Co., Detroit, “For Parlor and Library.” The Captain believes it’s a fern stand.

Artist
Wolverine Mfg. Co., Detroit, Michigan (paper label)
Dimensions
Not yet measured
Materials
Solid wood, fluted column, carved leaf band; stenciled numbers and maker's label underneath; water rings and stains on the top
From the Captain's Log

I did some research. It's old. This Wolverine company is an old maker, I think out of Michigan. I believe this is a fern holder, but super solid wood.

— The Captain, Whaleworx

On the block, friend

Open bidding

Opening bid

$
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The Deckhand's soundings

What's it worth?

Taking a squint at it...

An estimate from the photos and description, not an appraisal and not a reserve. Bid what it is worth to you; the sea sets no prices and neither do we.

SKU: WW-256 Category:

Description

Every parlor needs a place to put the fern. This stand is all wood and solid as a mast: a square top with a molded edge, a band of carved acanthus leaves just below it, a tall column cut with deep flutes, and a stepped square plinth at the foot.

Flip it and the history shows. Under the top, a printed paper label reads “Wolverine Mfg. Co., Detroit” with “For Parlor and Library” around a little table drawing, and the wood is stenciled with old shop numbers, including “1014,” plus pencil marks and small iron clips holding it together. The base corners are nailed and mitered the old way.

The Captain did some digging and pegs Wolverine as an old Michigan maker, and believes this was made as a fern holder. The top is well loved: water rings, dark stains and scuffs across the boards, and a small chip on the molding. Character, not damage, if ye ask us.

Free pickup at the South Loop dock is the way to go with this one; it’s heavy for its size.