Hanging cupboard

1750-1800

Measurements

34-1/2 in x 32 in x 15-1/4 in

Materials

Walnut; hard pine drawer sides and back, tulip poplar drawer bottom

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of Hugh R. and Bayard Sharp

Accession Number

1977.520

Condition Notes

The cornice molding at each side of the cupboard has had the outermost profile—a bead at the top—removed. The brass stirrup pull on the door and the brass drawer pull are replacements.

Provenance

Although not confirmed in writing, this hanging cupboard likely belonged to H. Rodney Sharp, father of the donors.

Comments

This simply designed hanging cupboard exhibits clean lines and functionality.  The paneled door opens to two fixed shelves above a bottom board that separates the drawer cavity for the single drawer.  The bottom board of the cupboard attaches with dovetails that are visible at the case sides.  The dovetails include some that are wedged, a construction technique long associated with Germanic woodworking but also present in some early eighteenth-century Philadelphia case furniture made by non-Germans.  The drawer bottom is pegged in place across the back edge, a construction feature that suggests non-urban manufacture.  In addition, the three vertical backboards of the cupboard include two of tulip poplar and one of hard pine.