ANTIQUE QUEEN ANNE PERIOD PENNSYLVANIA CHERRY DOVETAILED BLANKET CHEST WITH THREE ORIGINAL RAT-TAIL IRON STRAP HINGES
With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this beautiful antique cherry blanket chest. This blanket chest absolutely commands attention with a boldly figured selection of quilted cherry grain vibrantly centered across the frontward side. Particular care was taken to masterfully dovetail the entire case exterior together insuring that a sturdy bond between all components of the frame would never falter or weaken over time. The original case is fixed to a newer restored base also made of cherry and expertly dovetailed. The top molding is affixed to the case on three sides with period hand-cut iron nails that are concealed and the molding rests over the original brass Queen Anne period bat-wing styled escutcheon plate. Two drawers housed within the case are finely molded and dovetailed and feature traditional brass bail pulls along with chamfered drawer panels. When the drawers are removed from the case and flipped over they reveal a wonderfully oxidized patina from two and a half centuries of exposure to the natural environment.
This blanket chest opens to reveal a full interior with an abundance of room for storing quilts and household linens. Three remarkable hand forged iron strap hinges that are completely original to the chest allow the top to open and shut with relative ease. These hinges were styled by a master blacksmith and given a "rat-tail" design. This pattern is coveted by antique enthusiasts and often salvaged from the remains of worn down chests and resold to restorers for considerable amounts as they greatly enhance any piece that can accept them. Since we ourselves are passionate collectors finding these hinges anytime we open up a chest for the first time is always a pleasant surprise. We note the original lock and candle till to be absent from the interior of this blanket chest. The back of the chest features wonderful oxidation that only a true colonial era treasure can develop over time. This chest has a beautiful and warm cherry color that enhances the full depth of the cherry case particularly when illuminated by daylight.
This antique blanket chest measures 45 1/2" wide x 22 1/2" deep x 28 1/4" tall.
