Massachusetts, Probably Dedham or Medfield
Joined chest, a survivor. Molded top projecting over the joined case featuring three molded and chamfered recessed front panels; the sides and back with two panels each. The rails, stiles and muntins are channel molded as is the side- hung drawer face retaining original turned pulls. The rived drawer bottom is tapered along the front edge and fits into a narrow grove within the inside of drawer front. The drawer sides are fastened with two nails, each countersunk above and below the slide. These and other construction techniques are assigned to Dedham and Medfield shop traditions.
Item Date: 1675-1688
Measurement: Height: 26.5: depth: 19.25; width: 43.75"
Material: Oak and pine
Item Condition: Original condition as descended, commensurate with age and use. As is generally encountered the snipe hinge piercings are naturally worn/enlarged from use; both hinges are original. The lid displays wear (wood loss) worn smooth by handling and lock use at center of front edge as depicted. The proper left front corner of lid displays a small very old patch that measures 1 by 3-inches. The patch really doesn't distract. Traces of very early thinning soft, mellow gray paint over original surface especially in carving recesses are extant. The chest displays great color and patina... never messed with.
Reference: See Winterthur Portfolio 13, edited by Ian Quimby; Style and Structure in the Joinery of Dedham and Medfield, Massachusetts, 1635-1685 by Robert Blair St. George, pp. 1 - 46. The author attributes the joinery to the Thurston family shops; this chest possibly by Thomas Thurston (b. 1640, d. 1688). See page 14, figure 14 for side view drawer detail.
Price: $11,900
SKU 843-441
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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