EARLY 19TH CENTURY ANTIQUE FEDERAL BIRD'S EYE MAPLE
CHEST OF DRAWERS WITH CHERRY & POPLAR CASE CONSTRUCTION
With our highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in offering this spectacular and rare early American chest of drawers. This chest is one of the finest examples of an American Federal period dresser having been made for a gentleman of considerable wealth sometime during the late 18th or early 19th century over two hundred years ago. The most notable aspect of this chest of drawers is that it was constructed with the finest selection of bird's eye maple hardwood available anywhere. We typically associate chests of this quality with similar furniture made in the American countryside as large cities are not known to host old growth maple trees and it is far more common to see such notable flitches of wood turned into veneers when used in the cabinet and furniture making shops associated with large cities. This stately chest has larger proportions making it well suited for a gentleman who required a commanding dresser for all of their various clothing and personal objects. Typically we find the finest chests of drawers constructed from solid bird's eye maple hardwood in the historic communities of Vermont and New Hampshire as well as further southwest into New York and Pennsylvania. We believe this chest was most likely built in Eastern or Central Pennsylvania based on the prominent poplar panels on both sides. While poplar is utilized in furniture construction all throughout New England the most desirable grades of tulip poplar are most commonly associated with the historic Pennsylvania communities of the late 18th century. Considering how prominent the poplar sides are and the superior quality of the poplar hardwood we believe the dresser most likely originated in Pennsylvania however we can not say conclusively that it was not made elsewhere. What we can assert with all confidence is that this chest of drawers is a superior example to nearly every other known counterpart of the American federal period made with solid bird's eye maple hardwood and mixed hardwoods for the case construction.
This chest of drawers has a prominent backsplash which provides an extra degree of sophistication to this already commanding piece. There is some slight bending to the backsplash over the length of the board however it really has no baring on the chest of any kind. Two smaller overhung drawers rest below the top and protrude over a large drawer and three graduated drawers beneath. The drawers are flanked by exceptionally well turned half columns which are comprised of various design elements such as ringlets and architectural columns. The half columns and sides are constructed with cherry which contrasts the brilliance of the bird's eye maple perfectly. The chest is well constructed with masterful hand cut dovetail drawer construction along with frame and panel case construction on each side and throughout the back which allows for seasonal wood expansion and contraction with no adverse effects to the dresser's overall stability or longevity. The drawers feature well-turned knobs which were replaced as evident from the apparent repair plugs where older hardware would have been. We believe the current configuration to be the best as far as regular use is concerned. The drawers have retained the original secondary panels and locks throughout the centuries. The chest is supported by shaped cutout rear legs and turned front legs which feature well-formed ball feet. The chest measures 46 1/2" wide x 20" deep x 58 1/2" tall.
WELCOME
We are a wholly owned family business in our third decade of continuous operation. We have a large inventory of fine antiques ranging from Early American, Federal, Chippendale, Empire, Centennial, Victorian, 20th Century custom mahogany, Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern antique furniture along with decorative arts from across the globe. All the items we offer to the general public are high quality estate pieces. We do not offer goods with significant flaws or defects. We completely avoid items with issues. You can expect the items we sell to have reasonable wear and tear. Due to the large volume of goods we deal in we cannot describe items in minutia. We do our best to give you an accurate condition report in our description of the items. We have expert woodworkers and re-finishers on staff to service any piece of furniture we offer. We represent all merchandise in absolute good faith and to the very best of our ability. Please ask all questions, including, but not limited to, shipping costs prior to purchase. All items are sold as is and from their location. If you would like to find out about any number of our services, including appraisals and restoration, please ask us about our website for more information.
SHIPPING & DELIVERIES
We deliver within a 250 mile range of zip code 01105 for a low cost flat rate. We specialize in New York City and Boston deliveries at extremely reasonable rates. For items requiring shipping beyond our delivery zone, we offer freight or “Ground Services” shipping, depending on the size of the items. We ship anywhere within the Continental United States. Items will require packaging and palletizing for freight shipments. The buyer is responsible for the cost of materials only for this service. We perform this service without the cost of labor as an appreciation for your patronage. Freight class shipping is the fastest and most cost effective method of shipping large items. We can reach anywhere in America with a large shipment within 7-10 business days. We buy materials in bulk to save you excessive costs. The materials required for proper crating of items for their safe transit is so specialized we may need up to 7-10 business days to make sure we get absolutely what is required & do the best job possible. We go the extra mile by designing premium customized furniture crates for the ultimate protection of your purchase. We ship from our facility with a loading dock on a major trucking artery. This and our “volume shippers” discount creates a substantial lower cost for you. The least expensive method of shipping is business to business with loading docks. Next is a business without a dock and the last option is shipping to a resident. We are sending your shipments with freight carriers. They are not furniture movers who bring the items into your home. You are provided with curbside delivery of your shipments. We can get you special services in certain cases, but you are responsible for telling us you require them and for the extra cost of these services, if you instruct our shippers to provide services beyond curbside deliveries. We are responsible for any additional services and charged for these services. We absolutely maintain our right to collect the costs of these charges for services we did not authorize or were prepaid for.
MERCHANDISE PICK UP AND STORAGE
All our customers are welcome to come to our facility to pick up their purchases free of charge. You can expect friendly help in loading your purchase in your vehicle. We ask that you come ready to transport your purchase by having ample pads or blankets to protect your item in transit. We don’t like to send nice people off with things tied to roof racks. We also do not desire to charge storage fees, but we are holding some purchases for over three years now and are under no contract to. We are not a storage facility. We are happy to hold your items for a reasonable pre-agreed upon period. Beyond or absent any specified contract a $50.00 dollar per week storage fee will apply.
ON-LINE SALES/TERMS OF USE
All Massachusetts residents are subject to the 6.25% sales tax unless you possess a valid resale number from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We do not accept returns so please, ask all questions prior to submitting an offer or purchasing. We have a zero tolerance policy for non-paying buyers. Any offer we accept is a binding sale and subject to the conditions herein. Massachusetts General Law applies to all sales. Bidding on and purchasing any item is under the acknowledgment of the buyer and is consent to the contractual agreement set forth herein. This agreement is in full force and effect on any item purchased through our Ebay store and on items purchased through us and our gallery. We strive to make your on-line buying experience as easy and pleasant as possible. We accept all major credit cards and are delighted to answer any questions that you may have or provide services you may need.