South African Imbuia Two-Tier Serving Trolley, c.1948–1959
South African Imbuia Two-Tier Serving Trolley, c.1948–1959
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A substantial South African two-tier tea and serving trolley, constructed in what is believed to be solid imbuia, with two purpose-made removable serving trays.
The trolley features shaped tray handles, scalloped apron detailing, turned handles and decorative finials, shaped legs and original-period swivel castors stamped “NICO LETCHWORTH.”
NiCo Manufacturing records that castor production commenced in Letchworth in 1948 and that the company relocated from Letchworth to Clacton-on-Sea in 1959. If the castors are original to the trolley, they provide a strong dating window of circa 1948–1959.
The timber displays the warm brown colouring, dark streaking and fine grain consistent with imbuia (Ocotea porosa). Wood identification remains an attribution rather than laboratory-confirmed.
The trolley's construction and decorative vocabulary are consistent with quality South African furniture of the mid-20th century. Research has identified similarities with furniture produced by G.H. Starck Ltd / GSH Ruvee, including documented solid-imbuia furniture with scalloped detailing. No maker's mark has yet been located on this trolley, and it is therefore not currently attributed to G.H. Starck/Ruvee.
Dimensions: 70 H × 96 L × 45 W cm
Research status: Maker under investigation.
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