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QUEEN ANNE CARVED AND FIGURED SYCAMORE FLAT-TOP HIGHBOY
New England States, circa 1760-1780 | formerly with Sotheby's in 2003
Item # 209MPN16S
A very fine flat-top highboy executed in beautifully figured and patinated sycamore, it features a bold cove-molded crest over four graduated drawers in the upper divided by drawer blades that are openly dovetailed into the sides of the case. The generous waist-molding surrounds the joint between the upper and lower portions, the lower with a single thin horizontal drawer over a pin-wheel carved central drawer flanked by two drawers of equal size. All drawers retain what is almost certainly the original hardware, these being beautiful bright-cut brasses and matched escutcheons - the escutcheons are merely decorative, as no locks were ever on any of the drawers. The apron is a brilliant display of undulating waves that emanate out from a central cupid's bow. The entire form rests over beautifully profiled cabriolet legs terminating in padded feet.
Preserved in a wonderful overall condition with a brilliant surface patina throughout. It was offered at Sotheby's, New York on May 22nd of 2003 as lot 853 where it achieved $ 12,000. The labels from its sale there remain affixed to the underside, the leg and the backboards.
Measurements: 68 3/4" H x 20" D x 38" W
Condition Report: Old finish with a wonderful well-preserved patina under later shellac; wear, scuffs, scars, oxidization and grime present throughout as expected, but overall the case presents very nicely. There is an abrasion to the upper left leg and the back edge of the right side of the case that we can have colored upon request. Retains what appears to be the original brasses (knob originality unknown). Various triangular patches on drawer lips and other minor breakouts throughout that were repaired over the years (sides of drawers, back left edge of the left side of the case, the crest with numerous repaired cracks, etc). Bottom right corner of the left side of the upper section with a small loss (at the left front corner just above the waist molding). Some 20th century nails used on the original backboards. Pure structure, no alterations or additions; a very fine piece.