With our absolute highest compliments Bay Colony Antiques takes the utmost pleasure in presenting this exceptional and rare antique jelly cabinet. This example is one of the rarest forms of either a jelly cupboard or a butler's desk that we have been privileged enough to find. Typically a traditional jelly cabinet will have a single empty drawer situated over a pair of cupboard doors for the purpose of preserved food storage. This cabinet features a full butler's drawer section inside the single upper drawer which has a drop-down face accessed by depressing the button locks inset on both sides of the drawer interior. The drop-down face allows the owner to get full use of this cabinet as a writing desk complete with a full interior designed for writing implements and storage of stationary papers. The traditional American butler's desk is styled with a single writing desk unit housed above three additional long drawers free of interior compartments and generally reserved for the storage of clothing or linens. Early American jelly cupboards and Early American antique butler's desks are in our experience two separate classes of furniture forms, both increasingly rare and desirable in their own rights, so to find a single antique cabinet which possesses both attributes is all but unheard of. Needless to say we were thrilled when we procured this cabinet from the previous owner as this example is one of the finest and rarest of both a jelly cupboard and a butler's desk and undoubtedly will be fated to belong to a fine collection of historical furniture and American antiques.

This exceptional antique jelly cupboard was likely constructed in Pennsylvania at the turn of the 19th century sometime around the years 1790 - 1810. The entire case is built with old growth native cherry wood and features brilliant bird's eye maple on the drawer front, door panels, and interior writing section. The writing surface is controlled on semi-circular brass inset tracks which allow the front to be hinged downward and back up again with two brass tombstone formed inset locks having depressing button actions which secure the drawer face upward. The interior opens to reveal nine individual drawers and four document storage compartments along with a fitted brass lock. The front of the cupboard is fitted with four antique glass knobs that feature ornamental metal work and are typical of fine chests of drawers and antique butler's desks known to be from Pennsylvania. The doors are flanked by well formed half columns which featured opposing rope twist designs as well as fine upper turnings and carved capital elements. The case of the cabinet is constructed with frame and panel sides which ingeniously allow the side panel to float inside a framework thereby allowing for seasonal wood expansion and contraction. This aspect keeps the cabinet case in good condition throughout generations and limits the chances of age-related splits or other structural problems. Superior design and construction is a hallmark of Pennsylvania furniture and has led to a strong market forming over generations for these charming regional examples. The backside of the cabinet and inside of the lower interior reveal well oxidized secondary woods which have aged wonderfully. The cabinet is raised on four compact turned feet which are quite strong and reliable. The chest measures 43 1/2" wide x 22 1/2" deep x 41 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.