catalog text
CHIPPENDALE CHERRYWOOD TALL CHEST OF DRAWERS
Mid-Atlantic States, circa 1800
Item # 209CBC16W
A powerful form from the Mid-Atlantic States, probably Pennsylvania circa 1800, this tall chest of drawers exhibits a early and likely original heavily oxidized surface throughout. It is characterized by a flat-molded crest over a pair of top drawers separated by a vertical stile dovetailed into the drawer blades above and below. These are situated over a series of five graduated drawers, each with drawer blades that are openly dovetailed into the sides of the case; all drawers are hung with their intricate original pierced brasses. The chest rests over bracket feet with integral scroll-cut returns, all feet being entirely original though the bottom of the back left foot is absent.
Perhaps the most lovely aspect of this case is its size. While still technically being classified as a tall-case, it is a very useful size at only 52" in overall height. And aesthetically, the rich oxidization of the original surface against the ruby hues of the underlying cherry glowing through in rubbed areas is simply magnetic - the recesses and untouched areas are nearly black in finish from age. The austerity and angularity of the form is made all the more interesting by the choice of original pierced brasses - ornate and highly decorative. A most striking piece.
Primary wood: Cherry
Secondary wood: Yellow Pine
Measurements: 51 7/8" H x 19 3/4" D x 38" W
Condition Report: Early and likely original finish, heavily worn and oxidized, nearly matte from years of grime; dripping down the center of the drawers from some substance has damaged the finish from the top to the bottom along with some cleaning to the surrounding areas; several drawers with repairs/patching to the upper lip edges; original brasses; two original locks remaining (top right and top full-width drawers) while the top left drawer lock is absent; no locks are tested and there are no keys; one interior drawer slide (upper right drawer) replaced inside of the case; all drawers exhibit very old evidence of a mouse inhabitant in the form of chewing and clawing inside of the drawers and case; original feet with back left foot missing the lower portion of the foot; original backboards with mostly original untouched nails.