Fine and Rare Chippendale Carved Mahogany Reverse Serpentine Bureau

Description:

Fine and Rare Chippendale Carved Mahogany Reverse Serpentine Bureau, coastal Massachusetts, c. 1760-80, with overhanging molded top on a conformingly shaped cockbeaded case of four graduated drawers with blocked ends and flanking reeded quarter-columns, all on a molded base of claw-and-ball feet with shaped returns centering a scrolled and fan-carved pendant, original brass, old finish, (minor imperfections),ht. 33 1/2, case wd. 36, case dp. 21 in.

Provenance: Alvin C. Detwiler, Washington, DC, 1932; Mr. C.W. Hurst, Summit, New Jersey, purchased from Mr. Detwiler by Mr. Hurst for $900; by descent to Mrs. Stanley G. Welsh; thence to the present owner.

Note: A 1964 letter from Israel Sack, Inc., New York, to Mrs. Welsh asks for permission to include this bureau in an upcoming publication featuring "the finest pieces produced by our Colonial craftsmen." In addition, an old inventory completed in 1932 by Alvin Detwiler reads "everyone who has seen the piece including [legendary antiquarians] Morris Schwartz, Charlie Lyons, and Willoughby Farr say this is the finest chest of its type they have seen."
Estimate $50,000-100,000

top with shrinkage crack and some staining, and two hand cut nails at left and right front corners; the sides constructed of two boards which have separated due to shrinkage; shrinkage crack at back right edge of side; loss to front right foot above the carving; loss of cockbeading 4 3/4 in above second drawer.


Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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