It looks like HUD Secretary Ben Carson’s staff ordered an expensive reproduction of a reproduction sideboard. He’s taking some heat from the purchase. A CNN reporter noted the old dining room furniture couldn’t be salvaged. It was very old, from the 1960s!

I thought this might be a great time to point out how many antique period and reproduction sideboards are available at prices far below the cost of the Jefferson Sideboard from the Alexa Hampton Collection headed to HUD. Some have been around 200 years or more and will still be around when Oprah gives her inaugural address.

American Federal Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard New Orleans Auction Galleries ($800-$1200)

American Federal Inlay Mahogany Sideboard  Heritage Auctions ($3,000-$5,000)

American Empire Sideboard Cowan’s Auctions ($250)

American Late Classical Sideboard Cowan’s Auctions ($400)

Flame Mahogany Sheraton Sideboard Server Buffet MINT Restored C1920 ($3,950) Ebay