Fashion and style often tell a story about an individual and also a nations identity over history, furniture design being among those stories. In border regions, character traits in design can often transfer and be reinterpreted. One glaring exception has been the divergent furniture styles of England and France since the Middle Ages. Prior to the 17th century, when the influence of the Italian Renaissance set the tone for furniture design in much of Europe, a pattern remained consistent even across the English Channel. However, moving into the 17th century, there was a sharp divergence, particularly in French design. English artisans ushered in the Jacobean era (1600-90), largely maintaining Tudor and Gothic elements while incorporating subtle changes such as more ornate carving and less massive scaled pieces. In contrast, particularly under the reign of Louis XIV (1638-1715), French artisans began exhibiting opulent designs including the use of exotic woods, gold, marble and fine carvings. Within this transition, we observe a clear example of the English culture mirroring their refined, traditional and steadfast mindset and the French illustrating their flamboyant, complex and trendy culture. Pieces representing the style of both countries are being offered at Winfield Auction Gallerys Saturday, March 7, sale. One of the crown jewels is a sculpted 17th-century Jacobean drop-leaf table from the Glastonbury Abbey, England, having deeply carved reserves of biblical scenes. In contrast, also being offered is a rare and most striking French Louis XVI bedroom suite by Francois Linke (1855-1946), the foremost 19th and 20th century Parisian ebeniste of fine Louis XIV, XV and XVI furniture featuring the traditional and more refined elements of the period to include crisply cast ormolu and delicately inlaid parquetry. Also highlighted in this exciting sale is a private collection of 17th to 20th century English items including furniture, silver, art, early metalware, and stoneware. Also being offered is 19th- and 20th-century fine art headlined by Adolphe-Etienne Piots painting The Sea Maiden and 17th- to 20th-century furniture including an 18th-century Chinoiserie decorated tall clock by Thomas Bevan. Leading the lighting category will be a Pairpoint lamp exhibiting a Copley shade; a selection of Persian and Navajo rugs featuring a fine silk Kashan with inscribed cartouche; and fine porcelain such as a Doulton Sung vase with stylized seascape. Meissen, Sevres and KPM will also be sold. Art pottery will include an Essex jug and artist signed American Indian portrait mug by Rookwood. Art glass will include Steuben, Tiffany and a Loetz School oversized vase. Gold, sterling silver, pocket watches and Southwestern Navajo round out the jewelry section. There will be German and American tin toy collectibles and military items as well as a variety of music boxes such as a Stella floor model with 49 discs. The March 7 Winfield Auction Gallery Antiques Fine and Decorative Arts Auction will begin promptly at noon EST. The sale will take place in Gallery II of Antique Revival, 26 Palmer Road North, Big Flats, N.Y. Online bidding will be through LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com, and phone or absentee bids will be available. For additional information, call 607-438-3082 or visit www.winfieldauctiongallery.com.