Griffin Parlor Bench Attribution?

After visiting this bench for three years in an antique mall, I finally broke down and bought it.  (What can I say, I'm a sucker for griffins.  ::)) Anyone have any thoughts as to the maker?  The antique mall owner thought it might be Roux, although several other people have suggested Flint.  (I haven't seen any Roux with carvings like this, but, then again, I haven't seen much Roux.)  Whoever made it, the back was clearly done by hand, as you can see the chisel marks on the griffins and the shield between them.  (Although it's very close, the two sides are not mirror images of each other.)  I think the wood is walnut, although it could possibly be mahogany.  It's 62.5" high and 72" long.  Anyone have any thoughts?

Nice buy.  I would have bought it myself.

New York makers carvings at the time were in line with this piece and Flint isn't a bad path to examine, but Roux is a dead end and not appropriate.  This could even be R.J. Horner.  The griffins arms, design-wise are very reminiscent of Horner and/or Flint carvings.  Other makers such as Oriel Cabinet Co. and Tobey had the wherewithal to make this piece.

It will be impossible to be sure, but you have a fine piece.

Thanks for the information.  The bench was in New York before making its way to the antique mall.  (I know that doesn't really give any clues as to where it was made, but it's interesting to note.)  I'm familiar with both Flint and Horner.  However, I've never heard of the Oriel Cabinet Co. or Tobey.  Are there any good reference materials on them?  Do you know when each of these manufacturers would have been in business?  I found the same bench http://www.antiquearts.com/5063/PictPage/1921934852.html(and matching chairshttp://www.antiquearts.com/5063/PictPage/1921933439.html) advertised at Southampton Antiques.  They estimate the pieces are from around 1860 (although I'm not sure what led them to that conclusion).  If the 1860 date is accurate, that seems early for Flint or Horner.