Antique American Pennsylvania Chippendale Tall Chest of Drawers, 18th Century - For Sale

Antique American Pennsylvania Chippendale Tall Chest of Drawers, 18th Century
Price: $6750.00
American Chippendale Walnut Tall Case Chest of Drawers

Pennsylvania, circa 1760-80
Item # 120106UTT08

Visit us at www.sillafineantiques.com for a full slideshow of pictures as well as a large selection of other fine furniture.

This early tall case chest is a fine example of Pennsylvania craftsmanship, representing the desire for curvature and embellishment even in the clean lines we've come to love from Pennsylvania cabinetmakers. Framed inside the handsome carved crown projecting over the entire case, the top of this tall case is unusually finished with a smooth planed walnut surface. It's height is just at the level where a craftsman must choose whether to leave it unfinished, or if a tall client might be offended by the rough surface - clearly the cabinetmaker chose to err on the side of caution in his design by finishing it completely.
The fully graduated gallery of three small drawers over six broad drawers naturally draws the eye upward. True to Pennsylvania tradition, the secondary woods of the drawers are thick and generous; each drawer has thick hand dovetails front and back, the bottom being very heavily chamfered along all edges to rabbet into the sides. Replaced hardware on each drawer is somewhat mismatched - look carefully at the photos for details. The original hardware does appear to have been batwing, which would be appropriate for a piece of this design and formality, though clearly larger and with more presence than the current brasses. Many of the locks are still original, secured with rose head nails - the holes for the replaced hardware have been carefully respected and for the most part are undisturbed (see photos for exceptions).
Flanking the drawers are two long fluted columns with ring-turned capitals and bases, seemingly lifting the canopy on this chest and making the overall heavy design appear light and easy. The sides of the case dovetail top and bottom into the case, though the top dovetails are hidden beneath the walnut top. The back of the case is constructed of two very broad boards flanking a thin middle board, each lined along the perimeter by original rose head nails interspersed with newer nails for support.
The case rests over wonderful scroll cut ogee bracket feet, each with delightful form and splay. The back braces of each foot are fully original, each with open dovetails locking into the feet for a permanent and unfailing support. Clearly thought went into the design of these feet, which on a heavy piece like this can quickly be compromised, as they are fully original in all blocking and supports - we are almost certain the primary blocking behind the feet is original, despite the bevelled edges and overall finished appearance of the wood. It appears the craftsman used a hardwood for the four most important interior blocks, allowing the weight of the chest to sit on these while preserving the feet from the majority of the weight.
This stunning work of early Americana is simply too wonderful to pass by. For any serious collector of Pennsylvania antiques or even the designer looking for the authentic strike point piece for a colonial setting, this chest is very fine addition. With a delicious early surface, worn and alligatored throughout, the nostalgia is quite precious. While this surface could be easily repaired (as visible on the corner of one drawer, where it appears someone began to test what the chest would look like with a fresh shellac), it is almost preferable in it's current state. Structurally flawless, this chest has a countless number of generations left in it, still truly young due to it's soundness of design. This is a treasure your family will pass on for many generations to come, a centerpiece of your collection and a truly enjoyable work of art.

Measurements: 43 3/4" wide x 22 3/4" deep x 56 7/8" high

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Seller Details :
Silla Fine Antiques
5704 Roxbury Rd
Suite B
Shippensburg
Pennsylvania-17257
USA
Contact Details :
Email : sales@sillafineantiques.com
Phone : 717-658-8274

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