Antique Victorian Ebonised Aesthetic Movement Adjustable Piano Stool c.1880

An exceptional late-Victorian Aesthetic Movement piano stool, retaining its original ebonised finish with restrained gilt incising. The rotating seat is raised and lowered by an original Cope & Collinson brass-thread mechanism, its action smooth and entirely intact.

The piece stands on four precisely turned and out-swept legs united by cross stretchers fixed into a central column housing the brass rise-and-fall mechanism, all below an elegant baluster gallery beneath the seat. The base is crafted from fine, close-grained hardwood, probably beech, typical of late-Victorian ebonised furniture.

Of markedly superior quality for its type, the stool shows a clarity of design seldom seen in surviving Aesthetic Movement examples, with crisp turnings, consistent proportion and a restrained use of gilt decoration. It would complement a grand piano, a dressing table or serve equally well as an occasional seat within a refined interior.

Presented in very good antique condition, with an even aged patina and gentle surface wear to the ebonised finish consistent with age. The mechanism bears its original Cope & Collinson maker’s badge, including the date ‘1840’, which is likely a reference to the firm’s early registration or manufacture period. The dark navy upholstery is a later replacement and remains perfectly clean. Structurally sound, clean and ready to place in the home.

English, circa 1880.

H: 52 W: 34 D: 34 cm
Seat min height: 47 cm
Seat max height: 57 cm