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American Chippendale Period Cherry Chest of Drawers
Pennsylvania, c. 1770-1800
Item # 120109RPR08

This is a fine Chippendale chest of the period, crafted in rural Pennsylvania during the years of 1770-1800 of solid Cherry. The top is crafted of two boards, dovetailed along the edges to the side boards, a fine curved molding wrapping around the entire face and sides, projecting over the facade of four graduated drawers flanked by fluted quarter columns capped and footed with turned capitals. The drawers are typical of Pennsylvania, incredibly solid with very thick secondary woods of solid pine, hand chiseled behind the hardware and each with original locks and pulls. The bottoms are hand chamfered, beveled to rabbet into the side boards and nail at the back with iron hand forged nails. The drawers are divided with cherry dividers, backed by half-depth boards of pine for partial dustboards. Three pine boards are nailed horizontally to the chest, the boards routed to create no gap, beveled along the sides with a chisel and nailed evenly. The chest rests over four scroll cut ogee bracket feet, replaced but almost certainly in near form of the original feet.

The proportions and overall flow of the chest are beyond striking. With unusual width, this chest has a sense of presence that is treasured in works of Pennsylvania Chippendale. This is a piece you will certainly treasure in your collection, with a crispness to the fluting and carved molding that sets it apart.

Measurements: 43 5/8" wide x 22 1/2" deep x 34" high

Condition Report:

1. Early finish, though not original
2. Left side is crafted of one board, the old shrinking crack is filled
3. Right side is one board but for a 1/2" strip along the back
4. Hardware pins are mismatched, some certainly replaced, all of the period. We believe the hardware is mostly original, including all locks. Most locks still have original hand forged screws. No key.
5. Top drawer with square replaced patch on drawer bottom
6. Drawer interiors shellac'd
7. All feet are replaced; left foot has an old crack in it, strong and sturdy, not destabalized.

Overall excellent condition in this very handsome chest.

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