Arthur "Espenet" Carpenter

Woodenworks: Furniture Objects by Five Contemporary Craftsmen, exh. cat., Renwick Gallery, Washington, D.C., 1972, p. 33 (for mention of a similar Jewel Box in bird’s-eye maple and rosewood)
California Design Eight, Pasadena, CA, 1962, pp. 15 and 21 (for a similar walnut writing chest)

In excellent condition, original finish. With minimal small scratches and nicks to the wood surface as expected. A shallow thin scratch runs along the proper left side about an inch from the bottom. The middle left and right pegs on the back are raised slightly from the surface, as is one on the back of the bottom of the box. The bottom surface has slightly more wear, with some scratches and what appear to be paint scuffs. The drawers were cut from the same piece of wood as the front face, and the wood grain matches beautifully. The drawer knobs are silver-colored metal with a few surface scratches as expected, and the drawer runners are brass. The knobs were added by the original owners at a later date. Some screws from the bottom of the drawers are missing, but this does not impact their functioning. The drawers are sturdy and glide easily. The felt lining in the drawers shows some surface dirt, as expected.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In seeking an efficient and simple means to create a drawer, Espenet would often take a block of wood and hollow it out with a band saw, creating the space for a drawer, then slide the drawer block back into the initial block. This method became a hallmark of his design. While this Jewel Box is not cut from a single block of wood, the drawers are cut from the same piece of wood as the front face, and the wood grain is a perfect match.