A Very Fine and Rare William and Mary Maple and Pine Dressing table, Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1710

Appears to retain its original drops and cross stretcher finial.

secondary wood is white pine; appears to retain its original drops and cross stretcher finial; proper left glue block for drop restored probably in 19th century; indiscernible black paint script on bottom of drawer. Refinished.
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.

American early eighteenth century dressing tables made of maple are rare. Retaining its original acorn pendants and stretcher finial, this one has survived in remarkably good condition. A nearly identical dressing table of walnut, pine and maple is in the collection of the Connecticut Historical Society. Although that table lacks finials and displays rounded arch side skirts, it bears a striking resemblance to this dressing table. John Kirk identifies that table with a history in the Chenevard family of Hartford and recognizes it as one of the few Connecticut William and Mary dressing tables known.¹ The attribution to Connecticut for the dressing table is supported by the existence of several other William and Mary high chests of Connecticut manufacture with simple rounded arches in their skirt and a single long drawer in the stand.² William and Mary dressing tables made in other areas generally do not conform to this pattern and display instead cyma-shaped skirts and three drawers.³

¹ See John Kirk, Connecticut Furniture of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries, Hartford, 1967, p. 98, fig. 171.
² See Kirk, pp. 43-4 and Gerald Ward, American Case Furniture, New Haven, 1988, p. 204, fig. 98 and pp. 246-7, fig. 127.
³ For a Boston example at Yale University, see Ward, no. 93, pp. 197-204.