Chest of Drawers
Walnut with mixed hardwood inlays
Yellow pine secondary
Virginia, Frederick County / Winchester
C. 1790
38″ W 21.5″ D 34.5″ H
Few southern chests of drawers survive in as pristine condition as this fine example of Valley craftsmanship in the early Federal era. The choice walnut veneers are matched on the graduated drawers and framed by chamfered inlaid corners, all to spectacular effect. The feet and blocking, including the pads are original – especially noteworthy in light of their degree of splay and flair. The bail and rosette brasses are original to the chest and in their original borings – as are the drawer locks. The robustly molded walnut top is secured to the case by a sliding dovetail joint and alternating light and dark inlays set off the boldly shaped chamfered case corners. The surface retains a rich color and patina with significant elements of the original finish that highlight the superb grain of the walnut. The base is dovetailed to the sides and the yellow pine dust boards, with original drawer stops, are set into dadoes in the case sides and add structural strength and stability.
A rare serpentine front chest in the Colonial Williamsburg Collection (1980-151) exhibits many of the same construction and decorative features and is likely from the same shop as this example. It is discussed in some detail in “The Furniture of Winchester, Virginia” by Wallace Gusler, American Furniture, 1997.
