ITALIAN NEOCLASSICAL INLAID THREE-DRAWER CHEST,19th century.
Circa 1790-1800. Rectangular top with checkered inlay over shallow long drawer above two deeper drawers; square tapering legs - 35 in. x 22 1/2 in. x 15 in. Estimate $400-600
Examination of the top surface found minor damage to the inlay located at the proper right corner as well as a crack extending the length. The two lower drawers have a pronounced bow. The proper right side shows buckling in a raking light. There are minor losses of veneer on the case (front: proper right corner) and (side: proper left). The pulls are likely of a later date. On the interior, a careful restoration has replaced drawer runners and supports while at the same time reinforcing the drawer bottoms with contemporary hardware.
The knobs are most likely replacements. Each of the gold-colored pulls has a beaded edge, U-molding, and gadrooning. Behind these pulls are pressed metallic rectangular plates. One plate is missing, others with losses.
