Essex County, Massachusetts, Possibly Salem
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.
Item Date: Circa 1780-1795
Measurement: Height: 37.25"; width: 41.5"; depth: 23.5"
Material: Exceptional mahogany, mahogany veneer, and eastern white pine
Item Condition: Excellent condition
Reference: 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.
Price: $28,000
SKU 492-212
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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