Shaker Maple and Cherry Stand

Description:

Shaker Maple and Cherry Stand, Hancock, Massachusetts, or Enfield, Connecticut, c. 1850, the rectangular top with slightly rounded edge above two dovetail-constructed drawers mounted on channels, which can be opened in both directions, with turned wooden pulls, the underside of one drawer with blue printed label reading "THE BERKSHIRE MUSEUM/ANDREWS/#15," all on a turned pedestal and tripod base of spider legs, old finish, (very minor imperfections),ht. 26 1/4, wd. 22, dp. 18 3/4 in.

Literature: Gather Up the Fragments, p. 181.

Exhibitions: Berkshire Museum, 1932; possibly Whitney Museum, 1935, #11.

A number of two-drawer stands survive that were made in the Hancock Bishopric, two examples of which are featured in this sale (see Lot 67). Upon being released from his position as Senior Elder in the Bishopric, Elder Grove Wright settled at the Enfield, Connecticut, community.


His personal journal for 1860, in the Andrews Collection at Winterthur, records the process of making two-drawer work stands:

Thursday, May 3: I began to make two work stands for Elder Sister Clarissa
Friday, May 4: I work making stand legs &c.
Monday, May 7: I work at making stands
Wednesday, May 9: I am at work on the stands
Saturday, May 12: I made the 4 drawers for the two stands

Elder Grove's prominence in Bishopric leadership, and the constant rotation among Hancock, Tyringham, and Enfield, as well as his demonstrated collaboration with other cabinetmakers such as Elder Thomas Damon, make community attributions of two-drawer workstands very difficult, and arguably irrelevant. The square top, spider legs, and more simply turned pedestal are the chief differences between this example and Lot 67.


Estimate $10,000-15,000

minor staining to top and legs.


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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