Description:
Chest-on-chest in cherry and white pine, which retains substantial evidence of the original stained surface. This chest-on-chest is an important example of Deerfield area workmanship that is similar in its construction features to the chest-on-chest (62.146) made for "L[ydia]. D[eWolf]. Allis Conway," and was previously thought to have been made by her brother Elisha DeWolf, Jr. (1772-1855) of Ashfield. This shop's tradition can be defined by: The use of spiral and gadrooned moldings; backboards that go nearly to the floor -- the bottom most of which can be dovetailed to the backs of the rear feet; rabbeted two-part drawer bottoms (not found on this object); drawer supports irregularly tenoned into back boards; 2/3 depth board used for top and bottom of lower case and bottom of upper case; drawer backs thicker than sides; chalk inscription on sides of small drawers; and poor quality pine lumber as the secondary wood. The use of cut nails substantiates a date of construction not before about 1800. This chest-on-chest was purchased by the Hursts from antiques dealer Morris Schwartz in 1932. The upper case has a heavy cornice molding around a flat top; over five tiers of drawers (original hardware) with the uppermost divided into three drawers, the central one with a two-tiered carved fan, all flanked by spiral engaged quarter columns. The lower case has three graduated drawers (replaced hardware) flanked by engaged spiral quarter columns; over a heavy gadrooned base molding; and is supported by four ogee bracket feet.
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