A FEDERAL INLAID MAHOGANY AND FLAME-BIRCH VENEERED CHEST-OF-DRAWERS

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 1805-1815

Details

A FEDERAL INLAID MAHOGANY AND FLAME-BIRCH VENEERED CHEST-OF-DRAWERS
portsmouth, new hampshire, 1805-1815
The rectangular bowed front dressing box with scrolling backboard fitted with two short drawers, attached to a conforming case with four drawers, each cockbeaded and veneered with square panels edged with stringing, over a shaped apron with a drop panel on attenuated French feet, slightly reduced
45½in. high, 41¼in. wide, 21¼in. deep

Lot Essay

With its flame-birch veneered panels, central drop panel, high French feet, and construction features including a deep dustboard backing the middle drawer, this chest exemplifies the Portsmouth Federal style. Nevertheless, the attachment of a dressing box, commonly found on Portsmouth dressing tables, makes this a particularly distinctive example. For related chests and dressing tables see Jobe, Portsmouth Furniture (New Hampshire, 1993), p.112-123, 143-150.