Rare Labeled William Lloyd Springfield Massachusetts Federal Cherry Chest of Drawers, Circa 1800

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An exceptional and increasingly rare Federal period cherry chest of drawers bearing the original printed cabinetmaker’s label of William Lloyd … Read more An exceptional and increasingly rare Federal period cherry chest of drawers bearing the original printed cabinetmaker’s label of William Lloyd of Springfield, Massachusetts, dating to around 1800. Surviving labeled examples by regional New England cabinetmakers are highly desirable, offering a direct connection to one of the craftsmen who helped furnish early American homes during the Federal era. With its graceful proportions, elegant French bracket feet, and beautifully mellow cherry patina, this chest is a wonderful example of the refined simplicity that defines the best Federal furniture.

Crafted from richly figured cherry with fine secondary woods, the chest features four graduated drawers framed by clean, understated lines and raised on shaped French bracket feet. The original William Lloyd paper label is preserved inside the bottom drawer, advertising his Springfield cabinetmaking business and providing remarkable documentation of the maker. The chest retains period-style oval brass pulls that complement its classic Federal design, while the warm surface displays the depth of color and character that only more than two centuries of careful use can produce.

The chest is in nice antique condition consistent with its age and more than 220 years of use. It retains a beautiful, well-developed patina with expected surface wear, scattered marks, and age-related imperfections throughout. The bottom drawer has an old reworked bottom, and the right front leg exhibits an early nineteenth-century repair that has remained stable over time, both shown in the photographs. The drawers operate smoothly, the chest is sturdy and ready for everyday use, and it remains an outstanding example of early Massachusetts cabinetmaking with exceptional historical appeal. 38h x 42w x 18d See less