Probably Colchester, 18th century, now fitted as a tall chest, with scrolled dentil molded cornice with carved rosettes, above central fan carved drawer, eight additional drawers, dovetailed construction with poplar secondary, fine early probably original surface, original brasses, 56-1/4 x 39-1/2 x 18 in.Note: The history of this chest is inscribed on the bottom of the top center drawer:"was given me by my cousin, Miss Eliza A. Hutchins of Columbia, Conn., as a Birthday present, May 11 1921. It had been in her family for over fifty years but originally was the property of Miss Sallie (Armstrong) Hayward, a sister of my Grandfather John Armstrong, and great aunt to Miss Eliza Hutchins and myself. It is my wish that this bureau should eventually be given to my niece Marjorie Hutchins Holt. Signed, (Mrs.) Jennie Armstrong (holt) Richardson, Springfield, Mass., July 6, 1921"Probable line of descent per the Sotheby's catalog entry:John Armstrong, New London Co., Connecticut;Miss Eliza A. Hutchins, Columbia, ConnecticutMrs. Jennie Armstrong (Holt) Richardson, Springfield, Massachusetts;Marjorie Hutchins Holt;Dr. Robert and Phyllis Mallory III, North White Plains, New York;Independent Appraisers and Auctioneers/Greenwich Fine Arts Auction Associates, Bronxville, New York, Dr. Robert and Phyllis Mallory III Collection, June 16-17, 2001, lot 430 - Provenance: Armstrong/Hayward family; Sotheby's New York 22 January 2010 lot 461; A Private South Carolina Collection
Condition
fitted with early, possibly original bracket feet and a central top shelf, original surface with wear and abrasions throughout, crack to central finial support. The Sotheby's catalog entry notes that "While this bonnet-top form is normally made with a lower case with drawers, the bracket feet appear to be original to this case section and there is no evidence that it was supported by any other means." It remains unclear whether this is a rare variant of the form, or a high chest top that was fitted with bracket feet early in its history.˜