Lot Essay
According to tradition, this liquor chest belonged to Commodore Bainbridge, Commander of the American Frigate Constitution during the capture of the British ship Java, on December 29, 1812
Details
A FEDERAL INLAID AND VENEERED MAHOGANY LIQUOR-CHEST
AMERICAN, 1790-1810
The chest with inlaid diamond reserve edged with banded inlay and applied brass pulls opening to the lid revealing a mirror etched with and elaborate eagle and the patriotic motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" framed by a floral vine border above an interior fitted to hold ten glass bottles and tray, the bottles with gilt star-shaped stoppers and gilt floral swag decoration (the bottles probably Bohemian)--9¾in. high, 12 1/8in. wide, 9 5/8in. deep
AMERICAN, 1790-1810
The chest with inlaid diamond reserve edged with banded inlay and applied brass pulls opening to the lid revealing a mirror etched with and elaborate eagle and the patriotic motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" framed by a floral vine border above an interior fitted to hold ten glass bottles and tray, the bottles with gilt star-shaped stoppers and gilt floral swag decoration (the bottles probably Bohemian)--9¾in. high, 12 1/8in. wide, 9 5/8in. deep
Provenance
Sold in these Rooms, New York, January 26, 1991