Historical Christmas Doors of Portsmouth, NH

I feel very lucky to live in the fabulous city of Portsmouth, NH. This charming seacoast town was settled in 1630 and by 1679 was the colonial capitol.... later, Paul Reeve road here warning the British were coming. Needless to say, we have some excellent examples of early American architecture and most of it is found in the South End around the Strawberry Banke side of town where I live. Note the wonderful bulls-eye glass around some of the doors and the different architectural elements. Many of these homes are from the mid 1700's and up.

Holiday Flower Arrangements

I love the way holiday arrangements can bring so much vivacious color and cheer to a room or setting in a whimsical and delightful way. These are some of this years designs.

Silver pheasant feathers and faux dried berry branches.



Gold artichokes and pears in an Hungarian jar plopped in the middle of a pine wreath. Carved Italian finials and barley twist lamps frame it.



Faux pheasant feathers in a gold finish add zest to nice vase filled with small white pine cones to anchor them in.


Faux berry branches and greens make a subtle and full arrangement in an old English flower pail.

This year's tree without the lights turned on. All golds and silvers in a bird theme.

Faux iced pine branches in a 18th century cistern covered with fleur de lis.

An explosion of everything...iced branches, snowed fir limbs, berry branches, gum-drop limbs, pine cone limbs and more.

Another view - the sun made this one hard to photograph.

More berries and greens.

A nice faux pine wreath with real pine cones.

Faux pine branches, gum-ball limbs and (I think) the flower is belladonna.

Decoupage for Sailors and History Lovers

These amazing decoupage plates have class and character as they are copies of the drawings and sketches from Ashley Bowen's historical diary and autobiography. These plates have a charm that sea, sailboat and historical lovers will appreciate. They are the perfect gift. Lastly, they are handmade here in New England by a small 2 lady company and their plates have much more character than the other mass produced Decoupage plates that are out there. Ordering Info is as the bottom of the page.

Ashley Bowen (1728 – 1813) was a ship rigger from Marblehead, Massachusetts. He went to sea at a young age, was a seaman in the Royal Navy and served at Quebec in 1759 with the famous explorer Captain James Cook. The fact that he did his writings and drawings is remarkable - that some of them survived is miraculous. Most of what exists was found on top of a rubbish heap that was ready to be hauled away to the town dump.

JCN001 - Marblehead - $155



JCN002 - Catt Island - $95



JCN003 - Boston Harbor - $145



JCN004 - Boat Launch - $ 110

JCN - Quebec - $125

JCN006 - Ships at Port - $165

JCN007 - Two Ships - $95

JCN008 - Rambler - $110

JCN009 - Sloop Egal - $145

Ordering Information: Call me. 603-431-4222

*For Christmas - order soon because supplies are low as they are made by a 2 person company.

Treasures found on an England Antique Trip

These are a few of my favorite finds from my October buying trip in England. More pictures and other information on them can be found here.

I love this 1774 Garden Putti boy from Oakley Court of Windsor on the Thames... of course I had to prep him up for the holidays.

Another yummy lead piece ... a 1765 Fleur de Lis covered water Cistern.

Lead Fleur de Lis flower pots from the 1930's.

A fruit wood carved Putti face.

A 16th century Virgin & child painting.

Vintage petanque boules... just super cool.

A Swiss Bittern Head paper clip from 1880 - the ultimate desk-top gift.

A Boar pen wipe.

An ink well. Too cool.

A black forest match holder.

A grandfather clock face... the blue & white scene is fabulous.

A very sweet Moon grandfather clock face.

A darling enamel of a Mother and her children studying sea life - note the crab, shells & seagull.

A stunning Reyanrd the Fox door knocker. Late 1800's.

A French jeweler's wooden ring display hand... all the joints move perfectly.

A Tour jewelry box covered with a baccalian party of putti.

The most handsome deco style Money box that I have ever seen.

A gorgeous painted pen & ink tray.

Some beautifully covered books. I have never seen faux gator boarding before. And the other is a textured Japanese rice paper cover.

Simply fantastic... match holder from an English country estate.

Ceramic French wine barrel numbers from 1910. These are so awesome I am almost sold out.

Gorgeous Eglomisé Furniture

This is a fine collection of Eglomisé furniture in a variety of handsome styles and finishes. If you want something more refined than antiqued mirror furniture, then look no further.... these are fabulous...just fabulous! To see the detail, please click on the image.

All items are in stock today ... in various quantities... from 2 t0 20. If sold out, expect 4-6 months for new stock.

JCAT50521 - A Venetian Art Deco verre eglomise silvered & gilt bedside / lamp table, slide & drawer, square tapering legs. 24 x 24 x 25. $1250




JCAT50524 - A Venetian Art Deco verre eglomise silvered & gilt octagonal pedestal chest / lamp table, drawers, plinth base. 23-5/8 x 23-5/8 x 26. $1330

JCAT50529 -A Venetian mahogany & gilt bowfront bedside chest of drawers / lamp table, painted silvered verre eglomise decorated drawers, sides & legs. 27-1/4 x 20 x 27. $1475

JCAT505211 - A Louis XVI walnut & verre eglomise silvered & painted lamp table, mahogany top, turned fluted tapering legs, two frieze drawers & protruding corners. 24 x 24 x 27. $1365

JCAT51521 - A Venetian Art Deco verre eglomise silvered & gilt cocktail table, slides & drawers & square tapering legs. 48 x 30 x 20-3/4. $2350

1) JCAT5105 - A Directoire mahogany oval cocktail table, oval undertier, verre eglomise gilt & silvered painted drawers & square tapering legs, brass feet. 58 x 38 x 20. $3800

JCAT5155 - Venetian giltwood & verre eglomise silvered oval two tier cocktail table, dished top & undertier, octagonal supports & similar tapering legs. 48 x 32 x 21. $2450

1) JCAT53521 - A Venetian Art Deco verre eglomise silvered & gilt demi-lune console table, breakfront frieze drawer, square tapering legs. 60 x 20 x 34-7/16. $2095

JCAT53522 - A Venetian Art Deco verre eglomise silvered & gilt console table, three frieze drawers, square tapering legs. 72 x 20 x 36-1/4. $2395

JCAT60521 - A Venetian Art Deco verre eglomise silvered & gilt chest of drawers, two drawers, brass handles, fluted legs. 43 x 20-1/2 x 34. $1950

JCAT60523 - A Venetian Art Deco verre eglomise silvered & gilt chest of drawers, five drawers, brass handles, bun feet. 33-1/2 x 19 x 35. $1950

JCAT60524 - A Venetian Art Deco verre eglomise silvered & gilt chest of drawers, five drawers, brass handles, bun feet. 27 x 17 x 29-1/2. $1495

JCAT60528 - Directoire mahogany, gilt & painted verre eglomise silvered bowfront chest of drawers, three drawers, brass handles, fluted uprights, tapering legs. 38 x 18 x 38. $2800

JCAT60529 - Venetian carved giltwood & painted verre eglomise red decoupage chest of drawers, three drawers with brass roundels & handles, tapering legs. 46 x 20-1/8 x 34. $2995

JCAT605211 - A Venetian walnut framed, gilt & green opalescent verre eglomise panelled chest of drawers, three long drawers with roundel centres, brass handles. 46 x 20-1/8 x 34. $2895

JCAT60527 - A Venetian mahogany, gilt & painted verre eglomise silvered bowfront chest of drawers, three triple panel drawers, apron & bracket feet. 46 x 18 x 33-1/4. $3300

JCAT60526 - A Venetian Art Deco gilt & silvered verre eglomise high chest of drawers, four deep drawers between panelled uprights, on square tapering legs. 25-3/8 x 20-1/2 x 55. $2100

JCAT71521 - An Italian Art Deco verre eglomise silvered and gilt writing desk, 3 frieze drawers, square tapering legs, spade feet. 48 x 28 x 30. $2050

JCAT63522 - A Venetian Art Deco verre eglomise silvered & gilt bookcase, glazed doors, two drawers below above cabinet doors. 47 x 20 x 88-3/4. $4700

Want one, need one? Call or email me. 603-431-4222

New Lighting - Fall 2009

These beautiful wall sconces, chandeliers & table lamps reflect the attention to workmanship and detail. The distinctiveness of the hand-finishing process that is used on these lighting products lends an air of depth and richness that cannot be achieved by less time-consuming finishing methods.

JCC5049 – A whimsically fun flower sconce. The pom poms are individual pieces of metal laboriously fitted together. Delicate metal leaves complete the flower theme. The wrought iron is finished with Viejo Gold Leaf and Viejo Silver Leaf. A ‘Left’ one in available. 22w x 29h x 7d. $485

JCCC5039 - This elegant piece combines contemporary styling with the richness and warmth of old materials. Antique Mirror plates the arms and back plate and the wrought iron is finished with a Granello Silver Leaf finish that complements the mirror. The one light fixture wears a French Beige Shantung shade that is included. 8w x 26h x 12d. $485

JCCC5051 - Wonderful sprays of intricately detailed metal leaves sprout from a vase and leafy tendrils twine around the arms of this two light sconce. Made of wrought iron and cast composite this delightful scone is finished in Charcoal Bronze and Viejo Gold Leaf. Optional shades are available. 19w x 30h x 8d. $495

JCCC5029 - Strands of metal diamonds create this unusually fluid sconce. Finishes are Burnt Brass and Smoke Black. 18w x 36h x 10d. $565

JCCC6275 – A sexy bodied mercury glass table lamp. Measures 26” high. $335

Can be seen HERE in my High Point pictures near the end of the post.

JCCC6295 - A sleek shaded and stunningly good looking lamp. Measures 36” High. $385

JCCC9010 - This magnificent eight light chandelier is spectacular on all counts: Size, materials and finish. The framework is constructed of wrought iron with applied bent wood that has been stained and then grey washed to give it the appearance of age. The classic traditional form has simple accents of gracefully turned wooden pendants. 41rd x 59h. $1865

JCCC9018 - This elegant piece combines contemporary styling with the richness and warmth of old materials. Antique Mirror plates the arms and candle cups and the wrought iron is finished with a Granello Silver Leaf finish that complements the mirror. The four lights wear French Beige Shantung shades that are included with the price of this chandelier. 22rd x 22h. $775

JCCC9025 - This elegant piece combines contemporary styling with the richness and warmth of old materials. Antique Mirror plates the arms and the wrought iron is finished with a Granello Silver Leaf finish that complements the mirror. The French Beige Shantung shade is included. ** Some assembly is required to save on shipping. 38w x 15d x 74h. $1240

JCCC9027 - This standout piece uses blown glass bubbles to create an unusual effect. Suspended on crystal chains, the glass balls add a touch of whimsy to a traditional chandelier. The four light framework of wrought iron is finished with a combination of Silver Leaf and Gold Leaf. 21rd x 32h. $795

JCCC9017 - Dripping with crystal drapes, the simple wrought iron circles that give this chandelier its cascading form are finished with Contemporary Silver Leaf. The seven interior lights make the shimmering crystal dance with movement. 23rd x 31h. $2965

JCCC9015 - This large-scale piece owes its commanding presence to its size and strong form. A steel frame construction provides a framework for curved wooden slats. The rustic sophistication of this chandelier is enhanced with a Chestnut stain on the wood that is then slightly washed, giving it an aged, used appearance. 32rd x 41h. $1885

*Most Wall sconces are sold as pin-ups which allows them to be either hard wired or plugged in.

*All lighting products that are shown on this J.Covington*Design post have been designed and engineered to meet the rigid safety standards established by UNDERWRITER'S LABORATORY and bear the UL/CUI label (E141302 or E163523). This safety certification is valid in the United States and Canada.

*Want one, need one? Call or email me.

A Special Collection

OK, I know this isn't the normal nest collection and to some it is morbid and to others, quite cool. I found these prosthetic WWI eyes in England and well, I just couldn't help myself... so I bought 2 dozen of them in various shades of blue, brown, green and amber.

PS - They really freak my mailman out!

The Hartford, CT Autumn Antique Show

I came got back from exhibiting at the Hartford, CT autumn antique show. There were some amazing antiques there... just amazing. I took a small booth but filled it quite well. The framed Bee folio pages Napoleon's Egypt campaign were a smash hit as were the French ceramic wine barrel numbers.

This display was not part of the show .... I made it as I was unpacking from the show. Several people called about the ceramic French Wine Barrel numbers.... so there they are. Or click here.

If you like any of the pieces from the JCovington antique roadshow .... feel free to call or email. We have some great antiques and are one hour north from Boston... a perfect antique daytrip!

Stunning Secretaries & Bookcases

This reproduction line of bookcases and secretaries is simply gorgeous. Many are exact replicas of the orginal Regency and Georgian period pieces and 2 of the Victorian campaign pieces have a great Mission look. The finishes are lusterous, rich and regal. They do don't disappoint...even the bottom sides of the drawers are finished! In fact, I furnished my brother's law firm with furniture from this line.... there are over 1,000 pieces not shown!

Note the fine quality and spectacular cuts of the walnut, burl, rosewoodm and mahogany.

*Lastly, ALL of these pieces are in stock and ready for instant shipping!!!! No more waiting 3 or 4 months! Ordering info is located at the bottom of the post.

JCAT6305100 - A George III walnut, laurel & mother of pearl inlaid library bookcase, glazed doors, two drawers, cabinet doors. 48 x 20-1/4 x 88-3/4. $4,875

JCAT6305104 - A George III walnut, laurel & mother of pearl inlaid breakfront library bookcase, four glazed doors, Corinthian columns, cabinet doors below. 108-1/2 x 21-3/4 x 96. $13,995

JCAT6300043 - A Victorian Campaign walnut brass banded open bookcase, eight shelf compartments, two double cabinet doors. 25-1/2 x 12 x 82. Just love it! $1,595

JCAT6305017 - A Victorian walnut Campaign office bookcase, four pigeonholes, eight shelf sections, one drawer, brass fittings. 24 x 12 x 82. $1,495

JCAT6105214 - A Regency mahogany open bookcase, two frieze drawers, two shelves, Corinthian column supports, bun feet. 60 x 11-7/8 x 38. Great behind a sofa!! $2,250

JCAT6505008 - A Queen Anne burl & walnut bureau cabinet, arched cabinet doors enclosing fitted interior, fall front bureau below with eight drawers, bun feet. 35-31/32 x 24-1/32 x 90-31/32. $9,750

JCAT6505022 - A Queen Anne burl bureau cabinet, architectural frieze, cabinet enclosing black lacquer & faux book fitted interior, bureau section fitted interior, three drawers. Note: Only 2 left. Limited edition. 44 x 25-1/4 x 93. $11,350

JCATAL65001 - A Louis XVI mahogany & rosewood banded fall front secretaire en abbatant, granite top, brass mounts, drawers & faux drawer desk section. Copied from a 1780 Original . 33 x 31-1/4 x 58-3/4. $5,400

JCATAL65002 - A George II mahogany bureau cabinet, arched cornice with gilt Spencer crest, fitted glazed upper section & bureau below, Copied from a 1765 Original! 46-1/4 x 37-3/4 x 91-1/2. $15,950

JCATAL65003 - A George II mahogany & rosewood banded bureau cabinet, broken pediment, gilt crest, fitted & glazed upper section & bureau below. Copied from a 1740 Original. 44-1/4 x 26-5/8 x 98. $23,450

JCATAL63013 - A George III Sheraton figured eucalyptus & rosewood banded secretaire bookcase, arched cornice, astragal doors, drawers & writing drawer below. Copied from a 1790 Original. 36-1/2 x 22-1/4 x 90-1/4. $8,250

JCATAL63009 - A George III mahogany & rosewood banded breakfront library bookcase, brass finials, astragal glazed doors, drawers & cupboards below. Copied from a 1800 Original. 65-5/8 x 20 x 88-5/8. $10,250

JCATCB63005 - An antiqued hand carved wood Library bookcase with arched recessed panels throughout, the moulded cornice above three open inset glass shelved sections fitted with inset adjustable lights, the base with three panelled cabinet doors, on a plinth. 99-1/2 x 20-1/2 x 97. $11,350

JCATCB63002 - An antiqued wood dwarf open bookcase, the rectangular top above four frieze drawers, open shelves below, on a plinth base. 73 x 13 x 39. $2250

Need one, want one? I'm not afraid to talk to you. Need help or just don't like placing orders over the Net? Call me: 603-431-4222

A 16th Century Mother-Child Painting I found in England

I found this 16th century painting in England.... it came out of a Scottish manor house. Even though it is in rough condition, I absolutely love the mother-child tenderness. More pictures can be seen here.

Mid-Century Modern Swedish Collection

This new line was released this week....its called Mid-Century Modern Swedish. I love the combined flavor of the deco and Japanese tansu look and the Swedish coloration. Great lines. Note - it comes in 15 color choices!

Please see bottom of post for ordering information and my photos.

JCCT156 - measures 50" high x 40" wide by 1 7.5" deep. $3200

Top left: JCCT145F - 33.5" high x 31.5" wide x 16"deep. $1855
Top Right: JCCT145T - 33.5" high x 31.5" wide x 16"deep. $1855
Bottom Left: JCCT33 - 24.5" high x 21" wide x 13.5" deep. $1065
Bottom Left: JCCT32 - 19" high x 21" wide x 13.5" deep. $795



Top: JCCT48 - 31.5" high x 32" wide x 16" deep. $1750
Bottom Left: JCCT49 - 25" high x 20" wide x 15" deep. $1065
Bottom Right: JCCT52 - 25" high x 31" wide x 15" deep. $1350

Top Center: JCCT34 - 24.5" h x 28"w x 13"d. $945
Middle Left:JCCT58 - 20.5" h x 46.5" x 14.5" d. $1250
Middle Right: JCCT59 - 20.5" h x 23.5" w x 14.5" d. $750
Botton Left: JCCT53 - 27" h x 41.5" w x 14" d. $1195
Bottom Right: JCCT54 - 33" h x 45" w x 15" d. $2350

These pieces are custom ordered and take an average of 12-14 weeks. Delivery to your home is another 3 to 4 weeks...depending on where you live.

Call me if you have questions. 603-431-4222

High Point Furniture Market - Fall 09

I got home at 2:45 am from a 4 day tour de force market sprint.... next time I'm getting new shoes and a bag of epson salt! Aye. Regardless, the market was quite good even though it was short on buyers.

These heads mounted on baby blue plaques caught my attention.




This room was devoted to orange. not pictured were vases filled with carrots. Very cool.




A yummy Swedish cabinet. Loved it.

A cool folding library ladder.

Anyone need a 9ft high cabinet?

I bought a basket full of the these 17th & 18th century reproduction candle sticks, finials, and art pieces.

This is an early 19th century painted Italian cabinet....for a mere $53,500.00

These were in the same category - not in this lifetime!

Spied this cool union jack sofa.

Was one step too late here. Sold! A southern plantation tray rack. This gets a swoon award for original coolness and I would have loved to seen it full back in the day.

A lovely table. Leaves push underneath...extends from 7 to 10 feet. Nice, rich finish. $2,370

A beautiful 19th century french replica wall plaque. I will have these available soon.. and the ones below.

A french Queen headboard. Comes in a King size too. Based on a 19th Century carved panel.

A milky yellow color. Fabulous.

A French wall board.... imagine this over a mantle! Stunning. Available soon ( and better pictures too!) $2400

A gorgeous Swedish sideboard with 2 marble top inlays on each side. $3425

Loved this for a ski / mountain get-away. The handles are over-the-top. Just perfect! $2585

Grape hods are officially in!

Loved these 19 century French replica planter boxes. Order a pair for the store.

These planter boxes were massive and had nice hardware. Pull the pegs and the front panel comes off for easy plant removal. French replica. Also coming soon.

New this market - silvered (almost mercury glass looking) lamp bases! Great profiles.

Loved this regency looking consul. Black with antiqued mirror top, lower back splash and drawer faces...mirror has gold leafed edging as does the body. Very, very nice. Once of my show favorites. Will be available in a few months.

Close-up. Will also be available in a side table size. Very classic.

Back From England

Ahhh, home sweet home.... the buying trip ended with great success and a case of the Flu! Regardless, the trip began with a 5 hour dash up the M25 out of London and after a central buying splurge, I headed along the north east coast.

I had just looked to my left checking for traffic and stepped into the road and almost got squashed! It always takes a day or two to get used to traffic being on the opposite side.

Where's Doctor Who?

Inside a warehouse.

A true first! I've seen every stuffed bird, weasel, fox, dog, cat etc .... but never a horse!!!

This is a stunning 200 year old fireback in my friend's store. Weighs a 100 pounds. $2850 if you want to make a regal statement. Shipping from England not included.... not that expensive. Call if serious. The shield is amazing: A lion, boar, heart & hand and the viking shipping.

Most of my