ANTIQUE CHIPPENDALE CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY CHERRY THREE DRAWER BOWFRONT BACHELOR'S CHEST
With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this important and rare antique chest of drawers. This chest represents the height of American Chippendale design and is undoubtedly among the finest bow-front dressers that were ever made in New England. The tradition of fine furniture making extends as far back as the mid-17th century in the communities along the Connecticut River with examples from Hadley & Springfield, Massachusetts establishing the historical record. The townships of Wethersfield & Windsor, Connecticut began attracting skilled artisans and tradesmen shortly thereafter. After a century of settlement, the wealth of the area grew significantly along with demand for larger homes to be filled with finer artistic goods. Competition amongst the regions most talented cabinet-makers led to an evolving standard of quality and craftsmanship that reached its pinnacle around the time of the American Revolution and the decade that followed. Our present offering represents the height of furniture creation and design from the treasured history of Early New England.
This antique dresser is better described as a bachelor's chest given the overall size which is far rarer than a standard four drawer chest. The bow-front case features three full drawers and a variegated barber pole inlay that spans the entirety of the top edge along the three primary sides. This chest boasts a significant set of antique embossed oval brass pulls that are stamped "H&B" upon the bail handles. There is evidence of an older single mount pull that these brasses ultimately replaced. It was common during the third quarter 18th century for brass to be reserved as a necessity due to a scarcity created by the war. Elaborate brass was ordered from England later on to redress or enhance the existing household furniture when circumstance allowed for it. A series of blind dovetails are concealed behind the cock-bead molded drawer fronts which also feature the original locks and brass inset escutcheons. The chest stands on four of the most incredible stylized ogee bracket feet we have ever encountered. The high arching form and sweeping curves are suggestive of a master cabinet-maker with an unrivaled skillset working at the height of their ability.
This antique chest was designed in a three drawer format from a premium selection of cherry lumber sourced from the fertile land of the Connecticut Valley region. The undisturbed centuries old lumber grew heartily in these rich conditions resulting in cherry wood that is as resilient and beautiful as even the grandest southern trees. A warm and vibrant patina developed over time which magnifies the full depth of character and rich detail imbued within the cherry exterior. The interior of the case is comprised of chestnut and pine secondary wood which was also selected for their fine qualities. Centuries of natural oxidation can be observed on the underside and backboards of the case with evidence of the hand-tooled construction and the original hand forged iron nails.
The chest measures 39" wide at the base x 22 1/4" deep x 31 1/2" tall with a top that spans 38" across in length.
