Washstand

Date1790-1815

MediumMahogany, yellow pine, tulip poplar

DimensionsOH: 31 1/4", OW: 13" square

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1939-100

DescriptionAppearance: Washstand has a flat top with molded edge; large circular central hole in top to receive bason; smaller hole at right rear of top and recessed wooden dish of same size in left rear; scalloped skirt on all four sides; four "square" legs, chamfered below shelf and drawer set at middle of stand, and braced by "X" shaped stretchers with central, circular tray with molded edge.

Construction: The shaped top rails are tenoned into the square legs, flush with the top of the legs. The top is glued and possibly nailed to the upper edge of the rails and top of the legs. The top is relieved with a 7 ½” round hole to receive a basin and two 2 ¼” holes into which are glued scooped wooden blocks (one missing) for soap etc. A ¼” wide beaded mitered molded edge is nailed to the top.

Three 4 ½” wide medial rails, the drawer blade and above-drawer rail are tenoned into the legs. The four-board medial shelf is notched at the corners for the legs, rounded at the edges and is flush with the outer edges of the rails to which it is glued. It is also face-nailed with one nail to each of the side rails. Rectangular glue blocks reinforce the joining of the back rail to the back legs. Drawer supports are glued to the inside edge of the side rails. A drawer guide is glued to the proper left side rail as it is of 3/8” stock while the proper right side rail is ¾”.

Below the drawer, legs are chamfered on the inside corner and “X” shaped stretchers are tenoned into the chamfered edge. The stretchers are lapped where they cross each other. In the center, the stretchers are relieved 1/8” on the top and a 6 ½” diameter central circular tray with an integral molded edge is glued to the tops of the stretchers.

The drawer is of dovetail construction with the bottom glued to the under edges of the front, back and sides. The front is edged with a scratch bead.

Woods: Mahogany with the exception of the drawer supports and guide, and drawer sides and back which are yellow pine, and drawer bottom which is tulip poplar (probably modern).
MarkingsNone found