Italian throne, antique

I have an Italian queen's throne passed on to me by my grandparents. I would like to know more about the origin of this beautifully crafted antique. The back is carved "Anti Brothers Vicenza Italy." By my best guess the throne was built in mid-1800s or earlier. Can anyone offer information about Anti Brothers in Vicenza? Or, any other suggestions on how to research the heritage of the throne? Thank you for reading and any suggestions.

Connie, do you have a photo? It seems unlikely that a real throne would be in private hands; however, a ceremonial seat or elaborated chair used by a queen on a certain occasion could have ended withba private collector. If that piece of furniture was specially made for a queen to sit on, it would certainly be decorated with heraldic figures representing the particular Royal family and this could give an important clue. There was no Kingdom of Italy until 1861 and the unification; however, there were several smaller kingdoms, principalties, etc. in existence before that date. The inscription carved at the back shows that the piece is not very old, and that it was made by a commercial firm. Antique pieces may have initials or symbols carved to identify the artisan who made them.

I did a bit of looking and they had a showroom in New York and seemed to make a lot of one-off pieces for exhibitions. I can't find any trace of them in Vicenza though. Maybe their factory here was called something else. It seems they specialised in Gothic revival chairs so it wouldn't be any older than 1860's I'd have thought. There is a mention of Anti brothers here: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/home_and_garden/2009/12/06/kovel06_ART_12-06-09_H3_U7FSD9I.html

Penny, thank you for the detective work! My chair is similar to the picture in the news article and the historical information given by Gala seems to fit. I so very much appreciate your help. Could you please share with me how you found the information on the Anti Brothers showroom in New York?

I was finally able to post the throne pictures. Thank you again for all of your efforts.

I would tend to agree with Penny. I also looked for Anti in Vicenza and I did not find them. If the carved inscription is in English (I thought that it may have been your translation). then it is almost certain that it comes from the New York showroom and part of their Gothic revival reproductions.

Gala, thank you ever so much for the information. I attempted to post some photos earlier today, but evidently could not get the process. I would love to show it to you. It is similar to the chair shown in the news article from Penny. Penny found more information on Anti Brothers than I found in months of internet searching. If you think of anything else, please let me know. I appreciate both your and and Penny's responses.

I was finally able to post the throne pictures. I think you will see the similarities between my chair and the one in the article Penny found. Thank you again.

Thank you, Connie. And yes, it is a Gothic revival piece.

Gala, thank you for your help. It is nice that my information base is growing. I have been trying to find more on Anti Brothers in New York, but so far nothing. Also, I've checked many US auction houses and large antique dealers and have not found anything like this piece. The closest was the one Penny found in the article. Most of the Gothic revival seems to have more of the tall corners with little crosses on top type style to them (if that description makes any sense to you). Thanks again.

I think its a bit later than gothic revival - which in the UK would have been mid 1800's, and a bit later in Italy. To me its got a bit of the Egyptian influence that was more from the 1890s until the 20's - Not my taste have to say!

Gothic revival in America followe similar movements in Europe and lasted longer than in the continent It was not restricted to the reproduction of antique pieces, but it also included fantasy based elements. This piece is an example, as it adds neo-classical elements (sphynx). To like it or not... is a matter of personal taste. There are quite a few collectors of this style in America.A google search using the words "gothic revival furniture" will give plenty of information. You will also find some pieces through www.1stdibs.com