AMERICAN CHIPPENDALE CARVED MAPLE HIGH CHEST OF DRAWERS,Mid-Atlantic region, circa 1760. Upper section has flat, flaring molded cornice over two aligned half-width drawers above three graduated full-width drawers; reeded canted corners. Lower section has full-width drawer over two aligned short drawers centering fan carving; shaped apron; cabriole legs with claw-and-ball feet; drawers fitted with bail handle brass batwing pulls; original dustboards; secret compartment above top drawers opposite original valuables shelf. Poplar secondary wood. - 62 1/2 in. x 42 1/4 in. x 23 3/4 in. Estimate $5,000-8,000
PROVENANCE: Descended in the family of George Freeland Peter of Georgetown whose grandmother was Britannia Peter of Tudor Place. Present owner acquired the chest from Elisabeth Aiken Nolting of Bracketts Farm, Louisa, Virginia, the only daughter of George Freeland Peter. Ms. Nolting had donated several pieces of furniture to Tudor Place prior to her death in 2000, including a maple bed believed to have been related to this chest.
GOOD OVER-ALL CONDITION, WITH TINY RESTORATION TO RIGHT-BACK-SIDE OF CROWN MOLDING; WITH REPLACED BRASSES; SCATTERED MILD SHRINKAGE, AGE CRACKS, PARTIAL LOSS OF BACK LEFT FOOT AND RESTORATION OF RIGHT BACK FOOT.
