attributed to Columbia area, South Carolina, or possibly Catawba Valley, North Carolina, 1800-1820, single case walnut construction with two arched glazed vine and flower inlaid doors opening to a shelved interior lined in early and probably original wallpaper, leaf and floral inlaid corners, paneled and line inlaid lower doors, on original bracket feet, 100 x 55-1/2 x 28 in. - Provenance: By descent in the family of noted historian and author, Foster Alexander Sondley. Sarah Crawford of Ballymena, Ireland, is thought to have met fellow traveler Richard Sondley on her journey to America. They married and had land surveyed in Newbury, South Carolina, in 1793. Richard Sondley II was born in 1800 and was 30 years in the mercantile business in Columbia, South Carolina. He and his wife, Harriet Elizabeth Alexander Ray (born 1816), were the parents of Foster A. Sondley (born August 1857, died 1931). This corner cupboard was listed in Foster Sondley's will and was left to his niece, Miss Hattie Ethel Ray.; by descent to her granddaughter, Mary Ray Morrow, Burke County, North Carolina; Brunk Auctions, 1994; Private Collection
Condition
The cupboard survives in excellent condition overall. There are typical shrinkage cracks and separations and some small cracks to the glaze panels; upper door pull replaced and lower door pull missing, original foot facings with minor cracks and repairs, rear foot brackets have been trimmed and ended out with later boards