Untouched
MINIATURE Tall Chest
OUTSTANDING Form. Surface. Condition.    

This little chest is so good! New England, likely Massachusetts, ca. 1820-1840.

Original black and warm-red paint on pine. Remarkable state of preservation, original untouched condition with a superior surface.

The maker was a skilled woodworker and also had a strong sense of design. The form is notable for its vertical lift, amplified by exceptionally tall, boldly cut-out legs. The case features an overhanging top above three tiers of paired drawers balanced by a single full-width drawer. Cut-nail joinery. All drawer pulls are original. The painted surface is compelling: warm-red drawer fronts create a color-contrast against the black-painted case, all retaining wonderfully crusty, patinated surfaces.

Each drawer side is inscribed for where it fits in the case, and there are also pencil inscriptions, possibly later, of what appears to be ‘Isbella Cowdrey’ and ‘Peabody’.

Superb condition. Minor expected wear. Height of just 19 1/4 inches, case 11 5/8 wide, 7 ¾ deep. The overhanging lid is 13 ¾ inches wide x 9 deep.

This chest may have been used for spices and/or as an apothecary. Provenance includes respected furniture dealer Peter Sawyer; private New England collection.