attributed to the Mason-Messenger shop tradition, Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1680, walnut with white pine secondary, constructed in two sections, molded top, five paneled, dovetailed, and side hung drawers, rosehead nails, double paneled sides and back, set on original bun feet, 36 x 39 x 22-3/4 in., Provenance: by descent in the Weare family of York, Maine, likely from Peter Weare (1691-92); Note: Peter Weare was in America by about 1638 when he and Thomas Brooks bought John Wilcox's land at the Great Works on the Asbenbedick River. By the 1640s, Peter had settled in York, Maine, and was living near the meetinghouse on ten acres purchased from John Alcock in 1644. For more, see: https://sites.rootsweb.com/~mainegenie/WEARE.htm#PETER(1)WEAREÿ

Accompanied by extensive treatment and condition report from Alan Miller, antiques consultant. The chest survives with fine integrity, including its original undisturbed top and turned feet - a rare survival from this period. Many of the small applied moldings on the drawer facings are restored, as are the brasses. Finish work was undertaken by Keith Lackman, conservator in Pennsylvania. The chest exhibits typical minor shrinkage separations, bumps, and wear including some minor losses at lower right molding and at turned feet.