Antique Chippendale Delaware Valley Figured Walnut Gentlemen's Chest of Drawers

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With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this extraordinary and rare antique dresser. … Read more With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this extraordinary and rare antique dresser. We are immensely proud to offer this example as it is among the most distinguished regional chest of drawers to be made available anywhere. It has been our privilege to travel the country in search of unique and exceptional antiques that even the most seasoned of collectors have yet to see before. While the American Chippendale design is both iconic and immediately recognized by antique enthusiasts, opportunities to claim pieces associated with the Delaware River Valley seldom arise.

This chest of drawers was constructed for a gentleman towards the end of the 18th century from a brilliant selection of figured walnut lumber sourced from the immediate Delaware Valley area. The top features an exaggerated molded edge that allows for seasonal changes to occur without any detrimental effect brought on by humidity. The case of this chest is predominately made from single board sides with only a minimal amount of width required from a second piece of lumber used to create the full depth. The top and sides of this chest feature the absolute best walnut grain patterns that could have possibly been sourced from the old growth walnut trees from the region and is comparatively better than any walnut found in fine furniture production at this moment in history. With some exposure to daylight the entire chest illuminates with a warmth and beautiful patina that only time can create.

The chest features four drawers that are each molded around the entire drawer face. Every drawer is constructed with hand-cut dovetails along with chamfered panels and fitted with brass post and bail pulls, escutcheon plates, and the original half mortise locks. The dresser is made with two fluted quarter columns and pegged construction throughout the entirety of the case. The back and underside of the chest have remained entirely undisturbed with centuries of natural oxidation and hand-tooled markings being evident. The chest stands on four masterfully formed ogee bracket feet with a finely detailed base molding present on every forward facing side. The chest measures 41 1/4” wide x 21 1/2” deep x 35 1/4” tall. See less