Antique American Bar Harbor Wicker Tea Cart, Attributed to Heywood-Wakefield, Circa 1910–1925

Details

Description

A wonderfully decorative early 20th-century American wicker tea and serving cart, dating approximately to 1910–1925. This exceptional trolley features elaborate … Read more A wonderfully decorative early 20th-century American wicker tea and serving cart, dating approximately to 1910–1925. This exceptional trolley features elaborate handwoven reed and wicker construction, beautifully braided trim, an open diamond-lattice upper serving area, woven lower shelf, and striking oversized turned wooden spoked wheels with rubber rims.

The craftsmanship is especially noteworthy. Structural elements are tightly wrapped in reed, while the wheels are embellished with intricate braided wicker detailing around their rims. Smaller ball-style casters at the opposite end allow the cart to roll and maneuver as originally intended.

The design is strongly associated with the Bar Harbor style of American wicker furniture popular during the early 1900s and is consistent with period pieces produced by Heywood Brothers & Wakefield / Heywood-Wakefield. No surviving manufacturer's label has been located, so the cart is offered as attributed to Heywood-Wakefield rather than definitively identified.

A beautiful and increasingly difficult-to-find example of antique American wicker craftsmanship. Perfect as a tea cart, bar cart, cocktail trolley, serving cart, display piece, or decorative accent in a coastal, traditional, Palm Beach, conservatory, or collected interior.

The warm aged finish and beautifully detailed wheels give this piece tremendous character.

Details
Period: Early 20th Century
Circa: 1910–1925
Origin: United States
Style: Bar Harbor / American Traditional
Materials: Wicker, reed/rattan, wood, metal and rubber
Color: Natural / warm honey / pale yellow
Features: Large wooden spoked wheels, braided wicker trim, woven lower shelf, latticework upper tray and small ball casters
Maker: Unmarked; attributed to Heywood-Wakefield based on construction and comparable period examples
Condition

Good antique condition consistent with age and use. The wicker and reed show expected variations in color, surface wear, minor breaks and areas of age-related wear appropriate for a piece approximately 100 years old. The wheels, woven elements and original-style hardware contribute beautifully to the cart's authentic antique character. Please review photographs closely as they are part of the condition description.

The antique wicker tea-cart designation and the wheels are what make this piece special and distinguish it from the much more common mid-century and late-20th-century carts.

No manufacturer's label has been found. See less