New England-Style Inlaid Maple Sewing Box, by Eldred Wheeler

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On offer is an Eldred Wheeler Inlaid Maple Sewing Box, handcrafted in Hingham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1977 by Emmett Eldred … Read more On offer is an Eldred Wheeler Inlaid Maple Sewing Box, handcrafted in Hingham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1977 by Emmett Eldred and Bill Wheeler, Eldred Wheeler was a highly regarded cabinetmaker famous for creating high-quality reproductions of 18th-century New England regional furniture using traditional bench-made methods. The company permanently closed its doors and the owner retired in March 2019.
Constructed from solid tiger/curly maple, a favorite material of historical New England woodworkers, finished to mimic the warm patina of a period antique. Features three inlaid wooden hearts across the front panel, framed by a distinctive geometric sawtooth/triangle inlay pattern along the borders and drawer perimeters. Equipped with a deep, spacious lift-top main compartment and three small side-by-side drawers at the base with simple wooden pull knobs. The entire chest is elevated on prominent carved turnip feet.
The paper label fixed inside the center bottom drawer is modeled directly after historical 18th-century maker labels. It identifies the workshop's primary location at 60 Sharp Street, Hingham, MA 02043.The charming, archaic language reads: "Warranted Cabinet Work of All Kinds, Made and Sold by Eldred Wheeler at their shop... All orders from towne and country will be thankfully received and diligently attended to."
Signature/Maker’s mark: Label affixed to center drawer bottom (photo #6). See less