French-Style Gilt Wrought Iron Coffee Table (often called a 'Maison Jansen Style' or 'Florentine' Cocktail Table)
Table (specifically a Coffee/Cocktail Table) · Mid-Century Neoclassical Revival (Hollywood Regency), circa 1950s-1970s. It features scrolling rococo-lite elements inspired by 18th-century French design. · Likely an American or European manufacturer producing in the style of Maison Jansen or Labarge. Without a tag, it is attributed to the 'Regency Revival' movement.
Type
Table (specifically a Coffee/Cocktail Table)
Style Period
Mid-Century Neoclassical Revival (Hollywood Regency), circa 1950s-1970s. It features scrolling rococo-lite elements inspired by 18th-century French design.
Material
Primary materials include a wrought iron or steel frame with a gilded (gold-leaf or gold-paint) finish and a clear tempered glass inset top.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960s to early 1970s.
Dimensions
Approximately 16-18 inches high, 48-52 inches wide, and 22-24 inches deep. This is a standard 'low-profile' cocktail table size designed for sofa seating.
Origin
Likely American or Italian. Italy was a major exporter of this specific 'gilt iron' style to the US market during the 1960s.
Designer/Maker
Likely an American or European manufacturer producing in the style of Maison Jansen or Labarge. Without a tag, it is attributed to the 'Regency Revival' movement.
Value Estimate
$300 - $650 USD (Retail/Antique Mall price). Value increases if attributed to a known maker like LaBarge or if the gilding is genuine 23k leaf.
Description
This elegant oval cocktail table embodies the glamour of Hollywood Regency design. It features a slender, airy wrought iron frame finished in a warm antiqued gold. The four legs are gracefully curved in a C-scroll fashion, terminating in small pad feet. The apron is ornamented with twin scrolls at the center of each long side, providing a balanced, classical symmetry. The transparent glass top allows the intricate metalwork to be viewed from above, making it an ideal choice for smaller rooms where visual 'weight' needs to be minimized.
Key Features
Oval shape, scrolling 'Lyre' or 'C-scroll' legs, antiqued gold finish, inset glass top, and symmetrical central scroll ornaments on the apron.
Color & Finish
Antiqued gold or 'Florentine' gilt finish. It shows a mottled patina common in Hollywood Regency pieces, which mimics aged gold leaf over a dark primer.
Construction Method
Machine-manufactured with hand-finished decorative flourishes. The frame is welded at the scroll points, and the glass is held in place by a recessed lip within the metal oval perimeter.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Welded metal joinery. The quality is consumer-grade mid-to-high end, common for decorative furniture mid-century retailers like Drexel or specialized metal ateliers.
Wood Grain & Species
N/A (Metal and glass construction).
Surface Treatment
The metal has been treated with a textured gilding, potentially a gold leafing or high-quality metallic lacquer that has been 'rubbed back' to create a vintage aesthetic.
Upholstery Details
N/A (Non-upholstered piece).
Hardware & Fittings
No drawers or hinges; however, it likely features small rubber or plastic bumper pads to cushion the glass and small protective glides on the feet.
Origin & Provenance
Likely American or Italian. Italy was a major exporter of this specific 'gilt iron' style to the US market during the 1960s.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The finish shows some expected light oxidation and minor wear to the gilding. The glass appears intact without major chips or deep scratches. Structural integrity is high due to the welded metal frame.
Interesting Facts
This style became highly popular in the 1960s as a reaction against the 'strict' minimalism of Danish Modern furniture, offering homeowners a touch of Old World European luxury.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Hollywood Regency' era, which was popularized by designers like Dorothy Draper and Billy Haines, focusing on opulence, light-reflecting surfaces, and theatrical flair.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with 19th-century French iron garden furniture or later 1990s 'Tuscan' imports. Authentic vintage pieces are distinguished by thinner, more graceful metalwork and higher quality gilding compared to modern heavy-powder-coated reproductions.
Care & Maintenance
Clean glass with a standard glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. The gold-toned metal should be wiped only with a soft, dry cloth to avoid stripping the gilt finish. Avoid acidic cleaners or abrasive pads.
Value Estimate
$300 - $650 USD (Retail/Antique Mall price). Value increases if attributed to a known maker like LaBarge or if the gilding is genuine 23k leaf.
Sustainability Notes
Highly sustainable due to its 'vintage' status (preventing landfill waste) and the use of infinitely recyclable materials like iron and glass. Its durability ensures a multi-generational lifespan.