This is a stately Chippendale casepiece of good sized width. The distinctive characteristics of this piece are the beautifully arched glazed doors of antique glass. We have found several examples of these. One is illustrated in an old Antiques Magazine add of January 1955 in a room setting by the New York Dealer Lyon, inc. and by another New York dealer, Levy, and two more examples in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
As for location, as one
can see from the above related examples, we are attributing
to New Jersey and points South, i.e. Virginia. Generally,
however, these are considered southern pieces.
Of distinction in
our piece is the reeded cornice molding at the top
(see
detail) which follows through on the vertical
door stop. Also, this is a traditional two-part casepiece
(upper and lower). Much like a good Chippendale casepiece,
the bracket feet are nicely elevated with a lovely
shaped apron between them. The upper drawer configuration
has one working drawer flanked by two faux drawer,
as it is a corner piece, not permitting drawers there.
The interior has its original yellow paint. This piece
is in an extremely fine state of preservation with
all its old wavy glass.
Height:85 in. (7ft. 1in.) Width: 50 in. Depth:31 in.