Demilune Table
Inscribed “Made by John Vardy” under top
Lexington, Virginia
Walnut, poplar, white pine
Circa 1828
H: 28”; W: 39”; D: 19”
This table is inlaid on the top with the initials “E” and “J” separated by a diamond. It is likely that Lexington cabinetmaker John Vardy (1800-1878) made this demilune table to celebrate his marriage in 1828 to Esther Black (1809-1846). Apparently John Vardy worked as a cabinetmaker for a few years in Lexington and then in the mid-1830’s the couple moved west to Knightstown, Indiana and in 1841 settled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Vardy was described as a cabinetmaker and a general carpenter in Cedar Rapids and built his own home there in 1842. The couple was involved in the Presbyterian Church and Esther Vardy taught school until her death in 1846. Vardy married a second time and moved the family to Texas in 1856. As late as 1870, Vardy was listed as a cabinetmaker in Leon County, TX.
sold
