Antique Southern American Walnut Tall Chest of Drawers Upcountry South Carolina, Circa 1825

Details

Description

An exceptional Southern American walnut tall chest of drawers, attributed to the Upcountry region of South Carolina and dated to … Read more An exceptional Southern American walnut tall chest of drawers, attributed to the Upcountry region of South Carolina and dated to circa 1825 by the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), the leading authority on early Southern furniture and decorative arts.

Handcrafted entirely with hand tools, this impressive two-over-four chest is constructed of richly figured Southern walnut with poplar secondary wood throughout.

Dimensions
Height: 54 inches
Width: 42.5 inches
Depth: 19.5 inches

The chest displays elegant string inlay characteristic of the Federal style, while its paneled sides, turned feet, and overall form suggest the evolving tastes of the 1820s. MESDA's attribution to Upcountry South Carolina is supported by both its construction techniques and stylistic features, making it an important example of regional Southern craftsmanship.

The six drawers retain their original hand-built construction and feature single-board chamfered bottoms, a desirable detail rarely found intact today. The rich walnut has developed a warm patina over two centuries, highlighting the beauty of the wood and the quality of the cabinetmaker's work.

All but one of the original locks remain present and functional. A historically appropriate replacement can be reproduced by Ball and Ball Hardware Reproductions. The drawer pulls are later replacements, a common and historically acceptable alteration. Throughout the 19th century, families frequently updated hardware as fashions changed or prosperity increased (i.e. a good harvest), allowing furniture to remain both useful and fashionable across generations.

A beautiful one-of-a-kind piece with 200 years of history, ready for another generation of stewardship. See less