06-06-200406-06-2004
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2242Boston
June 6, 2004 11:00 AMCalender
94

Queen Anne Walnut Inlaid High Chest

Sell one like this
$44,063$37,500
Auction: American Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2242Location: BostonDate / Time: June 06, 2004 11:00AM

Description:

Queen Anne Walnut Inlaid High Chest, Massachusetts, 1725-50, the scrolled molded top flanks the central plinth with finial and two outer finials above the concave fan inlaid small drawer in an upper case of thumb-molded drawers with stringing in outline above a lower case of similar drawers including another central fan inlaid drawer above a central demi-lune drop flanked by flat headed arches on cabriole legs ending in pad feet, old refinish, (restoration),ht. 84 including finial, wd. 36, dp. 21 in. at mid-molding.

Provenance: Family descent from Thomas Cheever (b._____d. 1753) who married his first wife, Mary Boardman, in 1703. The early Boardman house in Saugus, Massachusetts, still stands under the care of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. Thomas Cheever built the first mill on the Saugus River "at the Boston Street crossing." In addition to being a wealthy tanner, he was a representative in 1726 and 1727. He built the Cheever home, with its pillar and acres of land, an estate befitting a gentleman of wealth and position. It still stands. Thomas Cheever's son Abner (1725-1796),who continued to operate the mill and tanning business also served as a Saugus Constable and Justice of the Peace and was the second owner of this lot. Subsequently his son, Abijah (1760-1843) owned this piece. Abijah studied with the well-known Dr. John Warren at the Massachusetts General Hospital after graduating from Harvard University and Harvard Medical School. He served as a surgeon during the American Revolution. Family letters indicate Abijah was an active participant in the Boston Tea Party.
Estimate $30,000-50,000

Keywords

Thomas Cheever, Massachusetts, Abijah, Anne Walnut Inlaid, Anne Walnut Inlaid High Chest, Mary Boardman, Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, Saugus, Boston Street, Saugus River, representative, Abner, Saugus Constable , second owner , John Warren, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital, surgeon , Boston Tea Party