{"product_id":"vintage-imbuia-tea-trolley-south-africa","title":"South African Imbuia Two-Tier Serving Trolley, c.1948–1959","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe trolley features shaped tray handles, scalloped apron detailing, turned handles and decorative finials, shaped legs and original-period swivel castors stamped \u003cstrong\u003e“NICO LETCHWORTH.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNiCo 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 \u003cstrong\u003ecirca 1948–1959\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe timber displays the warm brown colouring, dark streaking and fine grain consistent with imbuia (\u003cem\u003eOcotea porosa\u003c\/em\u003e). Wood identification remains an attribution rather than laboratory-confirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eG.H. Starck Ltd \/ GSH Ruvee\u003c\/strong\u003e, including documented solid-im­buia furniture with scalloped detailing. \u003cstrong\u003eNo maker's mark has yet been located on this trolley, and it is therefore not currently attributed to G.H. Starck\/Ruvee.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 70 H × 96 L × 45 W cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResearch status:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maker under investigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrice on Request\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antique Hunter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43306870866018,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0690\/1592\/8930\/files\/AH-0002-01-main.jpg?v=1788804265","url":"https:\/\/antiquehunter.co.za\/products\/vintage-imbuia-tea-trolley-south-africa","provider":"Antique Hunter","version":"1.0","type":"link"}