Description

Late 19th Century; Original, Overall: 104.5” height, 37” width, 25.5” depth; This (4) part unit is an incredible discovery of Soda Fountain and Early American carbonated water dispensers. It is an outstanding Victorian Eastlake design walnut soda fountain fixture. The top has a center carved crest with rising sun flanked by gold-trimmed scrolls, matching capitals with crown molding, and (10) inset bevel edged leaded glass mirrors surrounded by bead molding. The center has acanthus leaf scrolls with a brass light fixture. The front has beautiful turned columns, resting on a raised burl panel, and drop bead radial molding.The side view shows the spool-shaped supports and 4.25” diameter rosette with triangular carved wings. The back panel has a beautiful 23.5” by 25.5” bevel edged mirror above the original brown marble top, which has beautiful polished brass hinges and (4) turned capitals. The interior is complete with (8) original 13.5” by  5” by 3” numbered glass jars, cast metal plungers, and (6) metal caps. The jars are embossed “Matthew Patent.” The plungers are marked “Patent May 28, 1889.” The front of the marble-paneled dispenser has (3) hand turned spigots with (4) knobs. All hardware and nameplates are in beautiful, polished condition with a two-tone copper/brass finish and chrome. Nameplates are marked “Geyser/Vichy,” “Raspyby/Coffee,” “Choclte/Lemon,” “Vanilla/Pineapl,” and “Ginger/Strawby.” Each flavor corresponds to one glass jar reservoir. The center plate is titled “John Matthews Apparatus Co. Seneca, N.Y.” Below the spigots is an open co unter with green marble. The base has two upper drawers with wood and brass pulls, two lower hinged blind doors with carved floral designs, and three burl raised side panels. Each side of the dispenser has an applied 6.5” diameter convex copper-bronze floral nameplate titled “John Matthews Apparatus Co. New York 1832” and depicting a boy fighting a bear. After extensive research, we discovered this was a humorous advertisement created by Matthews and Karl F. Muller (1820-1887) to represent how even wild animals wanted carbonated beverages. Known as the “Soda-Founatin King,” John Matthews (1808-1870) was the pioneer of soda fountains, as he created the device to carbonate beverages. “In 1832 Matthews patented his ‘apparatus for charging water with carbon dioxide gas.’ The apparatus he designed could be kept on a countertop, making it possible for a pharmacist to easily dispense carbonated drinks to the masses. Matthews also introduced the first flavorings for carbonated beverages, contributing to their booming popularity.” We believe this example to be professionally restored in the last 50 years with the brass light fixture either added later or was once gas that has been electrified. There is some shrinkage, minor chipping on some joints, and the right side panel has a stable crack; otherwise, the fountain is in beautiful condition, appears complete and all original, and would make a fine addition to any collection that is interested in the revolutionary history of John Matthews. Please view photos. We will not be responsible for the shipping of furniture and large objects, so the winning bidder will be responsible for scheduling shipping arrangements or courier pickup within 30 days of the auction date. Our information was gathered from Green-Wood Cemetery, where Matthews is buried in his tomb designed by Muller. We encourage advanced collectors and museum professionals who focus on early soda fountains to view this here in our gallery. Provenance: Osteen Collection Vero Beach FL

Artist or Maker

John Matthews Apparatus New York

Medium

Wood Marble Brass Copper and Glass

Date

Late 19th Century

Condition Report

Very Good Original

Exhibited

Currently Mebane Antique Gallery and available for preview

Literature

John Matthews was the English-born inventor and manufacturer known as the "Soda Fountain King". In 1832, he patented an economical, countertop apparatus that made carbonated water widely accessible to American pharmacists and drug stores, sparking a beverage revolution. Antique John Matthews fountains are highly coveted by collectors and antique dealers. Because individual units were customized with pharmacy-specific or town-specific engraving plates (e.g., Seneca, N.Y.), values vary drastically based on condition, marble, and metalwork rarity. These units can fetch anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the completeness of the original syrup spigots, porcelain, and wood or marble casing. To determine the value of a "Seneca, N.Y." specific Matthews Apparatus, consider these avenues for expert appraisal:Antique Soda Fountain Forum & Collectors Network: The best resource for specific manufacturer history, catalogs, and tracking sales of antique John Matthews Apparatus Co. machines. Antique soda fountain collectors highly prize the craftsmanship and history behind the John Matthews Company creations.“What many people do not know, however, is the story of the man who brought artificial seltzer water to America: John Matthews, the "soda fountain king."

Notes

Available for live in house bidding and pay-pick up from our gallery, Always bid with confidence with Mebane Auction. Thank you Jon Lambert

Very Good Original

Available payment options

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