A very fine Chippendale figured mahogany block-front chest of drawers, Boston, Massachusetts circa 1770

Book-matched mahogany boards used for sides and top.

The proper left rear foot facing has a 2 3/4 inches from the foot up restored; an inch of the scroll return restored on the proper left rear foot facing; appears to retain its original brasses; proper left side of the upper most drawer has a 7/8 by 7 1/2 inch patch; proper right rear foot facing cracked; proper right front side side foot facing with 2 3/4 inch patch; proper left front side foot facing with 3 inches restored; secondary wood is white pine
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.

Referred to as a "swelled" front in the eighteenth century, the blocked façade represented here was a distinct regional preference in New England, particularly in the cabinetmaking centers of Boston and Newport. With its rounded façade, four drawers, and straight bracket feet, this chest is the most common example of the popular form as interpreted in Boston. It displays a high quality workmanship, choice vibrantly figured mahogany, and refined proportions.

A very similar four-drawer chest also with a rounded façade, shaped pendant drop, and straight bracket feet is in the collection of the Baltimore Museum of Art (see William Voss Elder III and Jayne Stokes, American Furniture, 1680-1880, no. 66, p. 94). Another is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (see Morrison Heckscher, American Furniture in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1985, no. 138, p. 216). An additional example is in the collection of the Concord Museum and illustrated in David Wood, editor, The Concord Museum: Decorative Arts from a New England Collection, Concord, 1996, no. 7a, p. 13. Related chests are associated with the work of Benjamin Frothingham (1734-1809), the Charlestown cabinetmaker.