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1990-276, Chest of Drawers
Chest of Drawers, Block-Front, Miniature
1990-276, Chest of Drawers

Chest of Drawers, Block-Front, Miniature

Date1750-1775
OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston
MediumMahogany, white pine, brass, paper
DimensionsOH: 11 1/2"; OW: 15 1/4"; OD: 8"
Credit LineBequest of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hennage
Object number1990-276
DescriptionAppearance: Miniature block front chest of drawers with two graduated,slightly rounded blocked drawers; rectangular top has molded front and side edges with shaping along the front conforming to the blocked drawers below; cockbeading around edge of each drawer opening; standard dovetailed drawers with two axe-head drop brass pulls and a center surface mounted oval escutcheon (all replaced); both drawers lined with printed paper in a leaf and cross design (likely 19th c.); short coved-over-quarter-round base molding and straight bracket feet that conform to shape of blocked drawers above.

Construction: Bottom board dovetailed to sides; top joined to tops of sides with sliding dovetails; horizontal backboard nailed in rabbets in case sides and to rear edge of bottom board; base molding nailed to sides and joined to front with a "giant dovetail" (more square than angled dovetail); feet glued to underside of base molding and supported by vertical glue block behind feet (missing on rear feet) flanked by horizontal shaped glue blocks; rear angled brackets (proper left replaced) are butt-joined to side bracket and set slightly forward from back edge of case with have vertical, chamfered glue block on back at side bracket; case sides and drawer blade have integral cockbead; drawer divider in mortise or sliding dovetail in case sides; mortise for divider is double the depth of the divider suggesting divider was inserted from the rear of mortise and slid forward into position (thus suggesting a sliding dovetail joint); drawer supports are nailed to the case sides behind divider; drawers have standard dovetail construction with bottom board nailed to underside of sides and bottom; tops of drawer sides are slightly chamfered on inside edge; extra mahogany added to inside center of front in order for mortised lock to be installed; round wooden disk nailed to back of drawer acts as drawer stop; drawers lined with printed paper; drawers have two center post drawer pulls and an oval escutcheon.
Label TextA few construction techniques distinguish blockfront chests made in Boston, Massachusetts, from those produced in Newport, Rhode Island, even when executed in miniature. This chest lacks the carved shells seen on the full-sized Rhode Island case pieces, but features the typical Massachusetts “giant dovetail” joint between the base molding and the bottom board.
InscribedScribed V in center of drawer backs.
ProvenanceDonor purchased from Joe Kindig, Jr. & Son. in 1982
Exhibition(s)