Shaker Red/Orange-stained Pine Case of Drawers

Description:

Shaker Red/Orange-stained Pine Case of Drawers, Mount Lebanon or Watervliet, New York, c. 1830, the flat top with applied shaped cornice molding, above a case of four short drawers and four graduated long drawers with turned wooden pulls on dovetailed bracket base, old surface, (minor imperfections),ht. 71, wd. 36, dp. 18 in.

Literature: The Magazine Antiques, May 1979; Gather Up the Fragments, p. 158.

This large case of drawers was built for communal use. It is entirely of pine, and finished with a red wash. The case is fully dovetailed, with straight-cut feet extending from the sides. The cornice molding and dovetailed bracket base are applied. The base is similar to other case pieces attributed to both Mount Lebanon and Watervliet, New York. However, the simple cornice makes a Mount Lebanon attribution more likely. One of the earliest dated Shaker pieces, a tall case of drawers dated 1806, has a very similar applied bracket base; so this piece may have been built earlier than 1830 (see Encyclopedia of Shaker Furniture, p. 125). In the May 1979 issue of The Magazine Antiques it is reported that this piece was acquired from the Hancock, Massachusetts, Shaker community.

Estimate $30,000-50,000

Lip repair to the uppermost long drawer at u.r. hand corner, the drawer below part of the surface was broken away but now reglued.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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