The Winslow Family VERY FINE QUEEN ANNE BONNET-TOP MAHOGANY HIGH CHEST OF DRAWERS, Attributed to Benjamin Frothingham, Charlestown, Massachusetts, Circa 1770

Appears to retain its original brass hardware.  The backboard to upper section bearing an old paper label with the inked inscription Built in 1740, belonged to Josiah Winslow brother to the first governor of Massachusetts.

Israel Sack, Inc., New York

Israel Sack, Inc., American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection, vol. IX, p. 2395, no. P6042

Finials and finial plinths replaced; crack to central finial support which has been filled by a small piece of wood; several cracks to tympanum board near molding; proper right side panel with a 12 inch by 1 inch patch to back lower back corner and back edge; age cracks throughout; dust bonnet and back board appear to be original; chip to front molding of lower section, may need professional repair; drop pendants on skirt appear to be replaced as well as moldings above pendants; appears to retain original leg returns; lower case with approximate 7 inch by 1/2 inch repaired break to upper drawer lip of proper right small drawer.
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.

Emphasizing form over ornament, this high chest is a handsome example of the Queen Anne aesthetic. The tall architectonic form, richly figured façade, and fine carving indicate it is a product of an accomplished shop. Several distinctive regional characteristics, such as the spiral-twist finials, the fan-carved central drawers, the flattened-arch skirt, and the cabriole legs with pad feet are found on furniture made in eastern Massachusetts.

Retaining its original hardware, this high chest is nearly identical in design to a mahogany high chest at Winterthur signed by Benjamin Frothingham Jr. (1734-1809), of Charlestown.¹ He trained with his father, Benjamin Sr. (1708-1765), a Boston cabinetmaker before establishing his own shop in the early 1750s in Charlestown, where he worked until his death in 1809. He also served with the local artillery in the British expedition to Quebec and the American Revolution, rising to the rank of major. He has a sizable body of documented work, with his printed label preserved on about fifteen pieces and his signature on several others.

In addition to sharing the same overall form, this chest exhibits the distinct characteristics found on the signed Winterthur chest of a shaped central plinth, top side drawers with sweep edges following the curve of the cornice molding, rounded projections in the circular cutouts of the scrollboard, fans with end flutes carved in crescents, lipped drawers, and knee brackets comprised of a single sweep from knee to bracket, terminating in a pointed tip. A dressing table at Winterthur attributed to Frothingham displays many of these features.²

¹ See Nancy Richards and Nancy Evans, New England Furniture at Winterthur, 1997, no. 162, pp. 313-5.
² See ibid, no. 163, p. 316-8.