Hello Mrs. Mellon: Part Two

Welcome to the dining table, graciously set for ten. There are two different sets of chairs at the table, both are painted black and are pleasantly scuffed and battered. One set has a caned back and one is regency and they pair happily united by their colors and similar seat cushions. One the sideboard is a casual line up of topiaries, cabbage tureens and antique decanters. The  table also includes a melon tureen and a more spindly topiary.

The caned black chairs are a set of six Regency parcel - gilt rosewood grained caned armchairs circa 1805. The more interesting set to me is the group of four Regency parcel - gilt painted caned armchairs circa 1850. I like that these are not caned across the back. Both sets appear with their seat cushions at the set table but without in the catalog. They mix well together because of their coloration, size, cushion color and similar wear.

Porcelains on the table are a bit difficult to see on the set table so I have included another picture which shows that they are indeed part of a set ( 135 pieces total ) of a Chinese Export porcelain dinner service dated 1800. Many useful and not so useful but nice table items follow : decanters and their collars,silver sauce boats, a nutmeg grater, a Regency silver coffee set,kettles on a stand, silver tea infusers and fox head place card holders.

Mrs. Mellon must have loved to entertain because there are many accessories for the table and a large selection of china - both as sets and as assorted serving pieces in many shapes and colors.

 I am, in my mind, opening the doors of a large china closet and this is what I see.

All of these china choices are classic patterns, some are very colorful and some subdued.Each is antique and there are many more including more organic shapes:

China, tablewares, framed art, glassware and silver complete the auction and we are left with a few scenes of a lifestyle in the Virginia countryside, a view of gardens and a final view of the house.

This is the conclusion of the contents of auction sessions one and two. Subsequent auctions include the contents of Mrs.Mellon's other homes.