A Very Fine and Rare Chippendale Figured Mahogany Diminutive Serpentine-Front Chest of Drawers, probably by Felix Huntington, Norwich, Connecticut, circa 1790

Appears to retain its original hardware and a dark possibly original surface; case width is 33 1/4 inches.

Hyde Family, Norwich, Connecticut;
Nathan Liverant & Son, Colchester, Connecticut

Nathan Liverant & Son brochure

Secondary wood is white pine and chestnut; keyhole escutcheons appear to be 18th century but are replacements; the pulls appear to be original.
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.

A nearly identical chest was illustrated in The Magazine Antiques, vol. 141, no. 2 (February 1992), 269 in an advertisement by Nathan Liverant & Son. A chest on chest in the collections of the Connecticut Histoical Society has identical feet (see Minor Meyers, Jr. and Edgar deN. Mayhew, New London County Furniture: 1640-1840, (New London, CT: The Lyman Allyn Museum, 1974), no. 56, p. 53).  A block-and shell-carved slant front desk probably by Felix Huntington was sold at Christie's New York, Important American Furniture, Prints, Folk Art and Decorative Arts, October 12, 2001, sale no. 9746, lot 134 for $314,000.

A letter from John Chester to Joshua Huntington dated July 4, 1782 indicates that Felix was producing expensive shaped front pieces.  "... The Chairs we will have, but for the other articles it will not make material difference whether we answer you now or by next opportunity which cannot be long first. If we can procure them Cheaper we shall, and I think we can unless Mahogany is much dearer than I am aware. Huntington has rather raised the price of Bureaus. I understood you he asked £7 for one swell'd and trimmed. £6 is certainly higher for a plain one without trimming. You shall here more from me soon on this business ..."

Andrew Huntington, Felix's father, recorded his son's output between 1780-1794, including two mahogany bureaus of which this chest of drawers may be one.  For addtional information on Felix Huntington see articles by Ada R. Chase, "Two 18^th-Century Craftsmen of Norwich," Connecticut Historical Society Bulletin, Vol. 25, July 1960, pp. 84-8 and "Connecticut Cabinetmakers:Part I", Connecticut Historical Society Bulletin, Vol. 32, October 1976, p. 135.