Chest of four drawers

1800-1820

Measurements

32-1/2 in x 39-1/8 in x 17-7/8

Materials

White pine

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3817

Condition Notes

A 5-inch-wide replacement board has been attached at the rear of the right case side.  The brasses and finish are original.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

The chest of four graduated drawers stands on straight bracket feet.  The front and side skirts each have serpentine profiles with cusps at the ends that curve to become the sides of the feet.  The case sides and drawer blades separating the drawer cavities are molded to create beads around the drawer openings.  The outside front edge of the side boards also has a bead, although it is worn and damaged in places.  The drawer blades are square-tenoned through the case sides.  The top, made of one wide board glued to a 3-1/2 inch board at the back, has what appears to be half-dovetail grooves cut into the underside to allow it to slide into place over the half-dovetail tongues cut into the tops of the side boards.  Many glue blocks on the underside secure the top.  Removal of one stamped oval brass shows the original finish, which survives intact on the chest.  The finish protected from light underneath the brass has a reddish tint, probably to suggest a mahogany color.