As you're aware, I love pieces with history. I find it so interesting to be able to share a story about a treasure, particularly when it's something that has been in the family. Today's blog all began several days ago when my sister-in-law shared these beautiful faux roses, which my mother put in a vintage hobnail vase she had. Aren't they realistic? It's actually the table on which they sit that brings us to today's topic, however. 😉
I can always remember this pretty little stand. When I was a child, it was in my maternal grandparents' home. About 20 years ago my mother was given the table and it's been in my parents' house ever since. It was varnished a darker color when my mother acquired it and so my brother-in-law (ironically, the husband of the sister-in-law who gifted the roses!) refinished it and we have always appreciated the way the process exposed the woodgrain. What is this small piece and what do I know about it?
Standing just two feet tall, this is an antique smoker stand. Popular in the 1930s, this humidor, of sorts, was intended to house cigarettes. I have read that most of them were actually used as side tables or accent stands. The door on the front opens up to a single compartment and that is the confusing part. In all of my research, I've read that the insides of smoker stands are copper-lined. This one is not and it doesn't appear that it ever was since its matching inside wood is flawless. There is no evidence of any liner having been present. My parents use it as a display spot with seasonal décor on top. Since it sits close to their front door, they stash their gloves inside it during the winter months and it's empty the remainder of the time. It was a new piece of furniture when given to my grandparents as a wedding gift and I appreciate that we still have this family piece.
What family pieces do you have in your home?
Have a great weekend and stay cool!