Our Premier Autumn Auction | Session II | October 22, 2025
Wed, Oct 22, 2025 10:00AM EDT
Live Auction
Lot 551
Rare Clark Family Pilgrim Century Carved Joined Chest, Attributed to John Thurston
Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000
Sold for
$15,000
Sold Price excludes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
Dedham or Medfield, Massachusetts, mid 17th century, oak throughout, hinged lid with interior till, carved and paneled front, underside of lid with illegible incised inscription, 26-1/2 x 44 x 18-1/4 in.
Provenance: Deacon George Clark[e] (d. 1690), to his son; Thomas Clark (1638-1719), to his son; George Clark (1673-1725), to his son; Thomas Clark (1715-1774), to his son; Elisha Clark (1755-1840), to his son; Nehemiah Clark (1784-1820), to his son; Merritt Clark (1815-1895), to his daughter; Mary Elizabeth Clark (1845-1930), to her son; George Clarke Bryant (1873-1947), to his son; Norman Bryant (1905-1970); all of whom lived in the Milford/New Haven area of Connecticut; Sold Christie's, New York, January 26, 1991, lot 306; Tonnesen Collection, New Hampshire
Literature: A nearly identical chest is discussed in The Wrought Covenant: Source Material for the Study of Craftsmen and Community in Southeastern New England 1620-1700, by Robert Blair St. George; see also New England Begins, vol. 3, pg. 321-322, no. 480; This group is analyzed at length in "Style and Structure in the Joinery of Dedham and Medfield, Massachusetts, 1635-1685", Robert Blair St. George, in Winterthur Portfolio 13.
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Deacon George Clark[e] (d. 1690), to his son; Thomas Clark (1638-1719), to his son; George Clark (1673-1725), to his son; Thomas Clark (1715-1774), to his son; Elisha Clark (1755-1840), to his son; Nehemiah Clark (1784-1820), to his son; Merritt Clark (1815-1895), to his daughter; Mary Elizabeth Clark (1845-1930), to her son; George Clarke Bryant (1873-1947), to his son; Norman Bryant (1905-1970); all of whom lived in the Milford/New Haven area of Connecticut; Sold Christie's, New York, January 26, 1991, lot 306; Tonnesen Collection, New Hampshire
very good condition and integrity overall, two inch strip patch at hinges, underside of top with two later braces to repair central crack, lock replaced and catch missing, foot bottoms with very minor water and pest damage, other bumps and wear to lid, and other typical surface flaws
Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.
