High chest on frame

1755-1780

Measurements

71-1/2 in x 44-3/8 in x 23-1/2 in

Materials

Walnut; sweet gum (also called red gum, drawer sides, dust boards, and case backboards), white cedar (drawer bottoms and case top and bottom boards)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.618

Condition Notes

Brasses are original and the case has no significant repairs or restorations.  Dovetail joints holding the case sides to the top have weakened and have open up slightly.

Provenance

Bequest of Dr. and Mrs. J. Newberry Reynolds to The David Wilson Mansion, Inc., in 1942

Comments

The drawer configuration of the case has three small drawers above two side-by-side drawers above four graduated full-width drawers, a drawer arrangement typical of the greater Philadelphia area.  The scalloped skirt or apron combines half rounds and ogees; the center rises highest.  Similar scalloping occurs on the sides.  This same pattern of scalloping occurs on a dressing table, 1958.3282, and on the striped maple chest on frame, 1971.563.  It also occurs on enough other case pieces to indicate that it was in general use rather than indicative of a particular shop.  Each rear leg has original laminations on the back side of the knees.