Description:
Queen Anne high chest of drawers, in walnut and walnut veneer over pine, which purportedly descended in the Gerrish family, Newbury, Masschusetts. The chest is one of two of the earliest pieces of case furniture with cabriole legs in the collection. The chest is noteworthy for its superb condition and high state of originality, except for minor patches and one of the brasses. The upper case has a flat molded top, where, hidden behind the cornice molding, is a secret map drawer used to hold important documents, one of the most common methods used for this type of storage. An access hole, hidden by the middle top drawer, can be used to push out the drawer. There are three short drawers across the top over three graduated long drawers. The lower case has mid-molding over two drawers across the top and three drawers across the bottom. Fillets outline the well-shaped, arched apron, which has two drop finials. The chest is supported on cabriole legs ending in incised pad feet. The sides are possibly butternut, and the top is pine, probably done to save money as it was concealed by the original finish. Brasses are a mix but are mostly original.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+1189 |
