Rare Federal Flame Birch and Mahogany Veneer Reverse Serpentine Chest of Drawers

Description:

Rare Federal Flame Birch and Mahogany Veneer Reverse Serpentine Chest of Drawers, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, c. 1805-15, the shaped top with crossbanded and string-inlaid edge above a case of four cockbeaded drawers with ivory inlaid escutcheons and original brasses signed "HJ" on bails, on slightly flaring tall French feet centering the inlaid drop panel, old refinish, (imperfections),ht. 38 1/4, dp. 20, wd. 39 3/4 in.

Provenance: Descended through the Simes family of Portsmouth to the present owner.

Literature: Portsmouth Furniture: Masterworks from the New Hampshire Seacoast, plate 11, p. 114, illustrates a bowfront chest with stylistic and structural similarities.
Estimate $20,000-30,000

top with shrinkage cracks, one with warping, right rear foot with patched veneer, left front front side veneer cracked, shrinkage crack to both sides of case, minor losses to cockbeading, one escutcheon replaced, bottom of drop panel worn/bumped.

Keywords