Shaker Maple and Pine Stand

Description:

Shaker Maple and Pine Stand, Hancock, Massachusetts, or Enfield, Connecticut, c. 1840, the rectangular top with rounded corners above two drawers with exposed dovetailed fronts mounted on channels, which can be opened in both directions, with brass pulls, the underside of one drawer with blue printed label reading "THE BERKSHIRE MUSEUM/ANDREWS/#17," all on a turned pedestal and tripod base of cabriole legs, old finish, (imperfections),ht. 23 3/4, wd. 19, dp. 16 1/2 in.

Literature: The Magazine Antiques, 1929; Shaker Furniture: The Craftsmanship of an American Communal Sect, plate 15; Shaker: Furniture and Objects, p. 68, plate 22; The Magazine Antiques, 1979; and Gather Up the Fragments, p. 180.

Exhibitions: Berkshire Museum, 1932; possibly Whitney Museum, 1935, #11; Renwick, 1973.

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 66). Upon being released from his position as Senior Elder in the Bishopric, Elder Grove Wright settled at the Enfield, Connecticut, community.

See the note on Lot 66 for Elder Grove Wright's account of his working process specific to two-drawer stands like these.

The small brass pulls and exposed dovetails are details similar to other one- and two-drawer stands made in the Bishopric. Many Hancock Bishopric stands display the same beveled edges on the undersides of the legs, as well as a neatly cut foot. The pedestal of this example has a subtle swelled turning.

Estimate $15,000-25,000

old screw holes in underside of top, possibly indicating a previous support structure.


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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