Chests-on-chest are usually large beasts because they primarily were designed for storage. My attraction to this fully developed little gem is its small scale.
Not only does it have a small 36 inch width, but the uppercase has reeded pilasters flanking the drawers which further diminish the size of the draw fronts and appearance. This chest is also further developed with a steep pediment and its original finials. The upper case is also embellished with a quintessential Connecticut pinwheel carved fan that is incorporated into the central drawer below the pediment. It doesn’t get much sweeter.
This chest-on-chest is composed of cherry with a warm, mellow glow. The cabriole bracket has a good height and is well sculptured; furthermore, another touch is a stylized dropped finial in the center of its base molding.
This chest-on-chest was handled by the Levy galleries with no repairs or alterations as one would expect from this fine gallery. While I would rather have a secretary than a chest on chest, this little treasure has all the bells and whistles one can expect in the chest-on-chest form. I still remember Albert Sack telling me that the chest-on-chest was always the hardest sell. Now, with walk-in closets expected in new construction, these pieces have become dinosaurs, ergo one is enough for a collection and let it be small enough and make a statement. This one certainly has its appeal.
The finals are original and there are no repairs or restorations.
Height: 85 in. Case Width: 36 in. Width: 41 1/4 in. Depth: 21 3/4 in.
Revised August 19, 2026