Description: Chest-on-frame with original grain painted decoration (simulating mahogany) and hardware. The upper case is comprised of three small drawers arranged over five graduated drawers. The top central drawer is carved with a pinwheel design on its front. The back of the upper case is comprised of three horizontal boards which are dovetailed and nailed to the case sides. The use of dovetails to attach the backboards is a unique construction feature, and can be found on two other items made in western Massachusetts in Historic Deerfield's collection: (1) a desk and bookcase made in the Deerfield, MA area (2014.30) and (2) a chest of drawers attributed to Bates How (1776-1801) of New Marlborough, MA (2011.23.1). The detachable lower stand or frame includes a single drawer and an elaborate skirt. The skirt's central drop features a carved foliate motif, and the semi-circular projections flanking the central drop feature carved pinwheel designs. The talon-shaped projection to the right of the central drop is a replacement. The back of the lower stand is comprised of a single board that is mitered and nailed to the case sides. The stand sits on ogee bracket feet with molded lower edges.
Link to share this object record: https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2023.22 |