Description: IMPORTANT QUEEN ANNE WALNUT EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA TALL CHEST ON OGEE BRACKET FEET CIRCA 1760 - 1780With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this exceptional early American tall chest of drawers. In our pursuits of collecting the finest early American furniture and antiques available we have made it our mission to keep a constant supply of interesting and rare examples from all of the earliest settled regions of the country. Our deepest ties are to New England where in our opinion the finest forms of antique furniture were first made for the wealthy coastal patrons who settled territories and established commerce roots throughout the 18th century. In the New England countryside we find brilliant antiques made with either grain painted surfaces or constructed with native old growth lumbers such as tiger maple and cherry wood that are widely sought after by collectors of traditional American antiques. As we explore the historical areas from Virginia to as far south as the Carolina's and Georgia we encounter southern antique treasures which are both incredibly rare and exceptionally well built as the craftsmen of the early periods in our country were undeniably resourceful and skilled. The loss of many of these treasures during the American Civil War has made what historical artifacts still remain extremely scarce and typically quite expensive with respect to demand from collectors of Southern antiques and arts. In all of our travels we have found the absolute best value for antiques of the 18th century early American period to be those associated with the eastern counties of Pennsylvania where the craftsmen of that era labored tirelessly to fashion products built of wood and iron for the emerging class of patrons fueled by trade and commerce around Philadelphia and the Delaware River Valley. The historical antique furniture and decorative arts of the mid 18th century Pennsylvania tradition are unquestionably larger in scale and superior in construction to nearly anything else built in America during that same time. While the plantation homes of the Southern States are renowned for their impressive grand furnishings and in many Northeastern communities finely constructed case furniture are commonly found; the class of craftsmen from Pennsylvania consistently produced masterful furniture throughout these early periods with a continual higher degree of craftsmanship and precision not found anywhere else in the country. We find it necessary to denote the differences between the craftsmanship found in these early regions of the country to properly advertise the importance of the historical chest of drawers which we now presently offer for sale. This tall chest was constructed for a gentleman of considerable means during the third quarter of the 18th century circa 1760 - 1780. Based on previous examples we have owned and seen come to market we believe this chest to be in all likelihood from Chester or York County however we can not exclude the surrounding areas as possible places where the chest may have been built. The entire chest is constructed from a premium grade of black walnut which grows in Pennsylvania and has unique characteristics such as desirable grain patterns and a particular vibrancy brought out of the wood during the finishing process. The true hallmark of this chest and those comparable examples known to antique scholars is the commanding scale and typical over engineered case construction that Pennsylvania craftsmen are famous for. When we say that this chest is a substantial piece we mean that with no exaggeration. Even with every drawer removed from the case two strong and experienced movers will still struggle to transport this chest and all precautions must be taken when this chest is handled. The weight of the case is due in part to the density of the black walnut wood which is probably the heaviest grade of lumber used in 18th century furniture building. Pennsylvania case furniture is commonly expressed as being "over built" which means that the craftsmen go above and beyond what is necessary in furniture construction to achieve a case of drawers that will never faulter or fall apart. Evidence of this are the continual dustboards located beneath every drawer in the case, a much thicker stock of lumber than what typically constitutes most early American dressers, exaggerated dovetails which join the sides of the case together, and reinforcing glue blocks along with hand forged iron nails placed on the underside and back of the chest. This tall chest is fashioned in the three over two over four drawer format which is an iconic form commonly associated with grand chests of drawers made in Pennsylvania. The chest features a strong projected crown molding and an untouched original top surface with centuries of oxidation and use clearly visible. The walnut grain is absolutely brilliant particularly when exposed to sunlight and is further enhanced by a sophisticated 20th century period appropriate finish which overcoats the strong black walnut surface. Each drawer features a molded edge and fashionable brass Chippendale style "bat-wing" drawer pulls. To either side of the case are well formed quarter columns which both begin and terminate with compact turned elements. All drawers are masterfully joined with hand cut dovetails and are constructed with premium tulip poplar secondaries that are free from any notable restoration work. This commanding chest stands proudly on ogee bracket feet which are further strengthened by glue blocks and supports which have been maintained throughout the centuries so that the case does not faulter. The original backboards demonstrate three centuries of continual oxidation and give the most accurate representation of this chests considerable age. The underside of the chest is also well oxidized and shows the exposed dovetail construction which holds this case together. This tall chest is worthy of any museum, institution, or private collection where prominent Pennsylvania antiques are showcased. In the past generations market rate for a comparable chest was generally between $10,000 - $20,000 and some auction houses and antique firms still insist on maintaining those pricing standards. We feel this chest is an incredible investment grade antique with substantial value still left for an educated collector willing to give the piece a home for generations to come. It is truly our privilege to own and offer this remarkable chest and we truly hope the next owner shares our passion for this field of collecting. The tall chest measures 47 1/4" wide x 24 1/2" deep at the crown molding x 68 3/4" tall overall. WELCOMEWe are a wholly owned family business in our third decade of continuous operation. We have a large inventory of fine antiques ranging from Early American, Federal, Chippendale, Empire, Centennial, Victorian, 20th Century custom mahogany, Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern antique furniture along with decorative arts from across the globe. All the items we offer to the general public are high quality estate pieces. We do not offer goods with significant flaws or defects. We completely avoid items with issues. You can expect the items we sell to have reasonable wear and tear. Due to the large volume of goods we deal in we cannot describe items in minutia. We do our best to give you an accurate condition report in our description of the items. We have expert woodworkers and re-finishers on staff to service any piece of furniture we offer. We represent all merchandise in absolute good faith and to the very best of our ability. Please ask all questions, including, but not limited to, shipping costs prior to purchase. All items are sold as is and from their location. If you would like to find out about any number of our services, including appraisals and restoration, please ask us about our website for more information. SHIPPING & DELIVERIES We deliver within a 250 mile range of zip code 01105 for a low cost flat rate. We specialize in New York City and Boston deliveries at extremely reasonable rates. For items requiring shipping beyond our delivery zone, we offer freight or “Ground Services” shipping, depending on the size of the items. We ship anywhere within the Continental United States. Items will require packaging and palletizing for freight shipments. The buyer is responsible for the cost of materials only for this service. We perform this service without the cost of labor as an appreciation for your patronage. Freight class shipping is the fastest and most cost effective method of shipping large items. We can reach anywhere in America with a large shipment within 7-10 business days. We buy materials in bulk to save you excessive costs. The materials required for proper crating of items for their safe transit is so specialized we may need up to 7-10 business days to make sure we get absolutely what is required & do the best job possible. We go the extra mile by designing premium customized furniture crates for the ultimate protection of your purchase. We ship from our facility with a loading dock on a major trucking artery. This and our “volume shippers” discount creates a substantial lower cost for you. The least expensive method of shipping is business to business with loading docks. Next is a business without a dock and the last option is shipping to a resident. We are sending your shipments with freight carriers. They are not furniture movers who bring the items into your home. You are provided with curbside delivery of your shipments. We can get you special services in certain cases, but you are responsible for telling us you require them and for the extra cost of these services, if you instruct our shippers to provide services beyond curbside deliveries. We are responsible for any additional services and charged for these services. We absolutely maintain our right to collect the costs of these charges for services we did not authorize or were prepaid for. MERCHANDISE PICK UP AND STORAGEAll our customers are welcome to come to our facility to pick up their purchases free of charge. You can expect friendly help in loading your purchase in your vehicle. We ask that you come ready to transport your purchase by having ample pads or blankets to protect your item in transit. We don’t like to send nice people off with things tied to roof racks. We also do not desire to charge storage fees, but we are holding some purchases for over three years now and are under no contract to. We are not a storage facility. We are happy to hold your items for a reasonable pre-agreed upon period. Beyond or absent any specified contract a $50.00 dollar per week storage fee will apply.ON-LINE SALES/TERMS OF USEAll Massachusetts residents are subject to the 6.25% sales tax unless you possess a valid resale number from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We do not accept returns so please, ask all questions prior to submitting an offer or purchasing. We have a zero tolerance policy for non-paying buyers. Any offer we accept is a binding sale and subject to the conditions herein. Massachusetts General Law applies to all sales. Bidding on and purchasing any item is under the acknowledgment of the buyer and is consent to the contractual agreement set forth herein. This agreement is in full force and effect on any item purchased through our Ebay store and on items purchased through us and our gallery. We strive to make your on-line buying experience as easy and pleasant as possible. We accept all major credit cards and are delighted to answer any questions that you may have or provide services you may need.
Price: 7600 USD
Location: Springfield, Massachusetts
End Time: 2024-09-30T20:22:03.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Antique: Yes
Shape: Rectangular
Required Tools: No Tools Required
Color: Brown
Material: Walnut
Item Length: 24.5 in
Brand: Antique
Mounting: Free Standing
Type: Chest of Drawers
Number of Drawers: 9
Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
Era: Pre-Victorian (Pre-1837)
Item Height: 68.75 in
Style: Queen Anne
Time Period Manufactured: Pre-1800
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Finish: Walnut
Item Width: 47.25 in
Handle Material: Brass
Handmade: Yes