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Chest of Drawers
Sunflower Chest, Carved & Joined Chest, Attributed to Peter Blin
Wethersfield, Connecticut
An extremely rare and fine joined chest over two drawers…
Date/Period: Circa 1670-1700
Measurement: Height: 41.25"; width: 48"; depth: 20.75"
Material: Oak and pine
Condition: A complete analytical report detailing
surface history by the Williamstown Art Conservation Center,
Incorporated is available to serious inquirers.
This Sunflower Chest remains in a remarkable intact state of
originality most likely because it descended in a
multigenerational family collection until 1981 and was then
sold to a well-known dealer of early furniture who placed it
within a very good collection where it has remained
for nearly 40-years.
The applied elements re-attached with nails, screws, and glue
are intact; vertical molding on proper right of one drawer
was/is replaced; approximately one inch hole in backboard of
chest at bottom.
The original surface history appears to have never been degraded
other than the application of a thin natural resin finish over
the red bricking earth pigment of the case and moldings. The
applied black turnings and linen fold moldings appear to have
been refreshed [surface only] in the late 19th century.
Partial replacement of wrought iron snipe hinges. Again,
surface analysis available.
Additional Information: This example is particularly notable
for its superior carving and remarkable intact condition; including
original top and till, moldings and applied turned ornaments, and
full-height feet.
The single board cleated top with thumbnail molding at front and sides
is attached with original snipe-bill hinges; front framed with three
panels above two superimposed drawers. The center panel features three
carved floral devices [sunflowers] and four tulips issuing from a central
stem against a matted ground; flanking panels display large tulips having
gouge-carved detail above leafy and floral devices against a matted ground.
The side panels are similarly framed and edged with applied moldings; at the
top, an octagon created with applied moldings… the corners filled with
triangular pieces; the octagonal panel with applied oval boss is centered by
shadow moldings within the rail centers. The lower vertical panels are flanking
the shadow molded stile; bottom rail similarly treated. Back to the front…The
stiles feature applied split spindles; muntins with pairs of applied split
spindles; applied moldings on the upper, middle, and lower drawer rails. The
side hung drawers are ornamented to appear as short-inline-drawers, applied
moldings create octagons centering the turned pulls. The center of each drawer
features a pair of applied split spindles on applied panels with each drawer
flanked by pairs of matching spindles.
Within the chest, on the right side is a lidded till; front edge of lid is molded;
stiles are beveled on inside. The drawers are side hung on runners nailed to
stiles. The applied split spindles, moldings between drawers, bosses; triangular
corners and rail moldings are painted black. The case and applied moldings on
drawers and panel edges are painted red. Two back panels are sharply chamfered
and fitted within back stiles and upper, lower, and middle rails.
Although there are perhaps three dozen survivors from the Blin workshop,
most are fragmentary, restored, or subject to considerable needed
restoration. This present example, nearly three hundred fifty years
old, is notable for its full development and remarkable intact condition.
We believe it is most closely related to an example in the collection of Historic
Deerfield, which is in “as found” unrestored condition.
For additional information please email or call David Hillier
drh@aaawt.com
978-597-8084
843-315
Click on an image to enlarge.
Chippendale Chest of Drawers, Molded Top Featuring Projecting Canted Corners
Connecticut, Probably Middletown Area
Date/Period: 1770-1780
Measurement: Height: 32.75”, case: 32.75” by 16.5”, top: 36” by 18.5”
Material: Cherry, white pine
Condition: Very good, one drawer guide replaced, minor repair
to top drawer lip; brass hardware is not original. The chest
displays beautifully.
Additional Information: This diminutive chest features a top having
extremely rare three-sided projecting front corners…the front corners
of the chest being canted above the case containing four overhanging
thumb-molded graduated drawers. Drawers are flanked by inset canted and
fluted corners featuring lamb’s tongue molded terminals. The case on
mold base resting on ogee bracket feet.
$13,950.00
621-170
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Chippendale Cherrywood Four-drawer Chest,
New England, Likely Connecticut
Date/Period: Circa 1785
Measurement: Height: 35.25"; width: 40"; depth: 21.75"
Condition: Old surface, very good condition; wood knobs replaced with period brass.
Additional Information: Projecting thumb-molded top over cock-beaded case
having four graduated drawers; molded base raised on ogee feet.
$3,150.00
859-61
Click on an image to enlarge.
Chest of Drawers, Ball Foot, Confidently Attributed to John Head, Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
Date/Period: 1720-1740
Measurement: Height: 39.75"; width: 39.5"; depth: 21.5"
Material: Walnut, hard pine drawer sides, Atlantic white cedar drawer bottoms,
brass hardware
Condition: Excellent, original hardware, old and wonderful surface
Additional Information: A fine and rare William and mary chest of drawers attributed to
John Head (1688-1754) active 1717-1754) who was probably Philadelphia’s most
prominent cabinet maker working prior to 1750. Seven generations of Head’s
descendants preserved his account book which is the earliest known record by any
cabinetmaker in colonial British North America. The manuscript is on view within the
library of the American Philosophical Society.
Slightly projecting rectangular top featuring applied cove molding above the case
containing two short drawers over three graduated long drawers above a molded base,
the case is raised on compressed ball-turned feet.
Attributes common to the shop production of John Head:
• Use of half dovetails exposing rabbeted bottom boards when viewed from side.
• Dovetails and bottom boards extending beyond backboards.
• Front interior drawer facing showing kerf marks caused by quick cutting of dovetail pins.
• Chalk assembly marks on drawer backs unique to the Head shop.
$36,000.00
843-449
Click on an image to enlarge.
Antique Chest of Drawers, Fine Chippendale Serpentine Chest, Original Brasses
Essex County, Massachusetts, Possibly Salem, circa 1780-1795
Exceptional mahogany, mahogany veneer and eastern white pine
Federal inlaid mahogany serpentine front chest of drawers from the Salem area, having
a rectangular top featuring thumbnail molded front and sides slightly overhanging the
case; shaped front and canted corners above the conforming case of four long drawers
having lightwood inlaid stringing, each retaining original brasses; the whole on molded
base raised on conforming string inlaid C-shaped canted bracket feet…a continuum of
the case and top corners.
This popular English form was well received and interpreted by Essex County cabinet
makers. The distinctive pointed/chamfered corners were particularly favored and
expressed by the Salem school. Elijah and Jacob Sanderson formed a collective that
produced and shipped furniture to the south and beyond. This form was very popular in
post-revolutionary Charleston; the Salem group produced many fine examples for that
port. The paneled back was widely employed by English and Southern makers, rarely in
New England. It is supposed that the Sanderson’s, et al, may have used this method
when building venture cargo. We feel that the present example is one made for that
market and perhaps not delivered.
References:
Charlestown Furniture by E. Milby Burton, plate 13, 14
Early American Furniture by John Kirk, figure 8
American Case Furniture by Gerald Ward, page 153, plate 71
American Furniture of the Federal Period by Charles Montgomery, plate 142.
Furniture Treasury by Wallace Nutting, plate 255
Excellent condition; height: 37.25"; width: 41.5"; depth: 23.5"
$31,750.00
492-212
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Chippendale Oxbow Chest of Drawers, Claw & Ball Feet, Boston, or Salem
Date/Period: 1770-1780
Measurement: Height: 33.75"; Top: 40.5" x 21.25"; Case: 37.75" x 19"
Material: Mahogany, white pine secondary wood
Condition: Excellent. Albeit not the first set…the period brasses are replacements; side
brasses are original.
Additional Information: The oxbow front with blocked ends features four graduated
drawers of finely figured mahogany. Original brass chest-lifts with shaped back plates
adorn the sides. The chest is raised on four boldly carved ball and claw feet with swept
back talons and pronounced knuckles. Terrific wood grain.
$20,850.00
270-191
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Chest of Drawers, Chippendale, New England, Maine Provenance
Date/Period: Circa 1780
Measurement: Height: 35.75"; case width: 36"; case depth: 19.75"; top: 38.75" x 20.75"
Material: Maple, white pine, brass hardware
Condition: Very good, any imperfections are trivial, consistent with age, use, and wear
Additional Information: Slightly projecting molded to featuring pinched front corners
above a case containing four graduated drawers having overhanging thumb-molded
edges; the whole raised on molded base resting on stylish bracket base.
$1,800.00
410-227
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Period Country Chippendale Four Drawer Chest in Red
Maine, circa 1800 (Found in Buckfield, Maine)
Maple, birch, and eastern white pine
The overhanging top over a case of four drawers raised on a sophisticated molded
bracket base featuring crisp returns centering central drop finial. Period brasses within
original boring…when discovered the chest had wood pulls; early red varnish over
original red; full height, excellent condition.
(Height; 38"; width: 38.75"; depth: 18.75")
$6,950.00
1221-91
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Chippendale Chest of Drawers, Reverse Serpentine, Ball & Claw Feet
Probably North Shore, Massachusetts
1760 to 1780
Birch and eastern white pine, mahoganized surface
The molded overhanging top above a conforming cockbeaded case oxbow case
containing four graduated drawers, raised on a molded base resting on outstanding
claw-and-ball feet. This piece remains in superb original condition; brasses are likely
original. (H: 35.75”; W: 38”; D: 21.25”)
$9,575.00
492-211
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Chippendale Four Drawer Chest, Flame Birch, Original Brass & Red Stain
Likely Claremont or Walpole, New Hampshire (Based on construction related to others in group)
Birch and white pine
Circa 1780
The overhanging molded pinned-top features a sharply angulated canted underside
producing a thin edge profile over the case containing four graduated drawers having
thumb- molded overhanging drawers retaining original brass hardware. The case is
raised on a tall lobed bracket base with central drop finial.
Height: 38.5"; width: 40.5"; case width: 36"; depth: 19.5"; case depth: 17.25"
$3,750.00
280-22
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Antique Inlaid Federal Chest of Drawers
New England, Circa 1790-1800
Mahogany and white pine
The overhanging icicle inlayed serpentine top featuring shaped sides and double sting
inlayed edge over a case containing four graduated drawers, each having applied
beading. The case is raised on a molded base resting on bracket feet. Brass are not
original to the case. (Excellent condition; Height: 32"; width: 39.25": depth: 21.5")
$4,850.00
271-67
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Antique Chippendale Reverse Serpentine Cherrywood Chest, Gadrooned Base
Possibly Wethersfield or Hartford County, Circa 1775
Cherrywood and white pine
The molded serpentine top over a conforming case containing four graduated drawers
featuring scratch beading and blocked ends; gadrooned apron joining conforming bold
ogee feet. A lovely chest in very good condition displaying good color.
(Height: 34.5"; width: 41" depth: 21.25")
$5,250.00
271-70
Click on an image to enlarge.
Antique Chippendale Mahogany Chest of Drawers, Great Wood
New England, Probably Massachusetts, Circa 1785
Mahogany and eastern white pine
Overhung molded rectangular top over a narrow case containing four graduated
drawers featuring applied beaded edges…the case on a molded base raised on bracket
feet. The brasses are original; the hodgepodge of period and later posts, although
retained, have been replaced with appropriate matching posts. Very attractive wood.
(Very good condition; height: 32"; width: 38"; depth: 21")
$1,175.00
1253-14
Click on an image to enlarge.
New England Chest, Four Drawer, Original Surface, and Brasses
South Shore, Massachusetts
Date/Period: Circa 1800
Measurement: Case; H: 33”, W: 41.5”, D: 20”
Material: Maple, chestnut, and pine
Condition: Excellent as-found condition, retains original backboards…the lowest
backboard (height of feet) joining the rear feet probably for structural integrity, is not
original to the case…likely added in the 19th century.
Additional Information: Molded overhanging top over a case containing four scratch-
beaded graduated drawers on molded base raised on well-proportioned ogee feet.
$2,850.00
1335-50
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Pennsylvania Chippendale Four Drawer Chest, Reeded Quarter Columns
Date/Period: Circa 1780
Measurement: Height: 34"; case width: 37"; case depth: 19.25"; top: .9" x 20.25"
Material: Cherry, poplar, and pine
Condition: Very good, brasses are period but may not be original.
Additional Information: The top with applied molding overhanging the case having full
dust boards and containing four graduated and cockbeaded drawers flanked by inset
reeded quarter columns on moldered base raised on ogee feet. Each drawer retaining
iron lock and brass escutcheon.
$2,850.00
1381-2
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Antique Chest of Drawers, Federal Sheraton Bowfront
Northshore, Massachusetts, circa 1815
Mahogany, mahogany veneer and with pine
Swell-front chest of drawers, having ovolo corners over baluster and ring-turned rope-twist columns
continuing to similar feet… the columns flanking four drawers displaying snappy veneer. Original brass.
(Width including columns: 42” , depth: 19.5” , height: 39” )
$950.00
759-10
Click on an image to enlarge.
Antique Chest of Drawers, Federal Bow Front, Tall French Feet
Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1800
Mahogany, white pine
Molded top with slight overhang over conforming case containing four-drawers having cockbeaded edges;
the case raised on tall French feet joined by apron.
(Height: 39.25"; width: 42.5"; depth: 19.75")
$2,150.00
759-11
Click on an image to enlarge.
Antique Chippendale Serpentine Chest,
Four Drawer, Original Brasses
Boston,
Circa 1780
Mahogany and white pine
A carved serpentine front chest featuring a projecting top with molded
edge above conforming case having four graduated cockbeaded drawers on a molded base;
raised on boldly pronounced shaped ogee feet with shaped returns.
Dimensions: 32.5" H, 39.75" top W, 22" top D, 36.5" case W, 19.75" case D.
$13,275
271-33
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A Fine Chippendale Oxbow Chest of Drawers, The Tyler Family Chest
Massachusetts, Probably Boston; Circa 1760
An outstanding example; superior solid mahogany with flaming grain; small compact size,
exceptional base, bold serpentine outline and superb original brasses
The molded rectangular top with oxbow front projecting above a conforming
case with four long graduated drawers with molded drawer dividers raised on a molded base with
outstanding tall ogee bracket feet having sharp beautifully shaped returns. This chest retains
its original brasses. Descended in the family of General John Tyler
(Revolutionary War General; aide to George Washington)
(Case W: 36”, D: 19”, H: 32”.)
$57,000
MLT-38
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Chest, Chippendale, Oxbow Shape, Blocked Ends
New England
Circa 1770
Mahogany
As depicted, a four-drawer chest having a molded rectangular top with reverse
serpentine front edge, and blocked ends on a conforming case containing four graduated drawers with
scratch-beaded edges on a molded base, raised on ogee bracket feet with scalloped returns. Although
not original, the brasses are period; chest has good old color and patina. (H: 31.75"; W: 38.5"; D: 22.25".)
$34,765
926-1
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Antique Oxbow Chest of Drawers
Shaped Top, Cherry, Original Surface
Massachusetts, Circa 1780
Cherry oxbow reverse serpentine chest of drawers, dating to the late 18th century,
the shaped and molded overhanging top on a cockbeaded case of four graduated drawers
raised on molded base having ogee bracket feet centering drop finial.
Brasses are period yet not original.
Dimensions: 33" high, 39.75" wide, 22.5" deep.
$13,850
271-12
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Antique Mahogany and Bold Curly Maple
Bow Front Chest
North Shore Massachusetts
Circa 1780 to 1800
The solid mahogany bow-front top with cross-banded front edge inlay above a conforming case having
four long drawers with applied beaded edges and cross banding inlay centered by outstanding bold
curly maple veneer. The scalloped apron raised on flaring French feet with returns. The chest is
in an old refinish with great color. Replaced Brasses (Width: 40.25; depth: 18.25; height: 37.25".)
$4,200
271-5
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Antique Four Drawer Cherrywood Chippendale Chest, Eagle Brasses
Possibly by Cornelius Allen, New Bedford, Massachusetts, Circa 1800 - SOLD
Cherry and white pine
The molded rectangular top over a case of four drawers raised on a molded base
resting of ogee feet in the “Allen” style. Embossed brass oval pulls featuring spread
wing eagles. See Harbor & Home, Furniture of Southeastern Massachusetts by Brock
Jobe, Gary Sullivan and Jack Obrien, pp 181 and 182, plates 62 and 62.1 for closely
related feet. (Two side feet restored; one horizontal and three vertical glue blocks
replaced; height: 35.5"; width: 38.5"; depth: 18.25")
SOLD
1187-36
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