August Americana
Description:
Tiger Maple Bonnet-top Chest-on-Chest, Cornelius Allen, New Bedford, Massachusetts, c. 1787-90, the upper section with scrolled pediment centering a fluted plinth and flame-carved finial above two short and three thumb-molded long drawers, set into a lower section of four long drawers and molded base on ogee bracket feet, original brasses, refinished, (imperfections),ht. 85 1/2, lower case wd. 39, lower case dp. 19 in.
Provenance: Purchased in California in the 1970s; Collection of Taylor B. Williams Antiques; Private Collection.
Literature: This piece is and a directly related example are illustrated and discussed in Harbor & Home: Furniture of Southeastern Massachusetts, by Brock Jobe, et al., pp. 181-83, catalog no. 62.
Note: Cornelius Allen was a nephew of Newport cabinetmaker John Goddard, and Cornelius's brother Ebenezer likely apprenticed with Goddard. Goddard's (and Newport's) influence is certainly seen in the design of the present lot.
Estimate $8,000-12,000
one narrow piece of vertical backboard in upper section is loose; chips to feet, no major repairs or restorations. finish could be improved. locks in three long drawers in upper section removed. brasses appear original.
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. 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 shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Brock Jobe, Cornelius Allen, Ebenezer, New BedfordStephen L. Fletcher
Partner/Executive Vice President and Chief Auctioneer
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3000
Christopher D. Fox
Vice President
Director, Historic Arms & Militaria
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508-970-3200
Paul O’Hara
Business Administrator, American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3224
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