The Very Fine and Rare Queen Anne Carved and Figured Maple Miniature High Chest of Drawers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Circa 1750

Winterthur Museum, Decorative Arts Photographic Collection.

Secondary woods: poplar, pine, oak, and white cedar. Old chip to front proper left corner of cornice; Drawer bottom to the frieze drawer of the lower section replaced in the 19th century and with old oxidation; drawer bottom to the top drawer and middle drawer replaced with poplar bottom replaced in the 19th century; lacking lock plate; second drawer with a loss to the top proper left molded corner; middle drawer with loss to top proper left corner and with losses to the drawer divider at corners; bottom drawer to uppers section with a large old chip to the bottom proper right corner and small old loss to top proper right corner; loss to drawer divider above the lock; the lower section with an old chips to the front corners of the molding; proper left front and back feet with losses to the edges; top of back proper left leg with an old crack which is stable; usual old scratches, nicks and wear consistent with age and use. Top drawer in upper case probably late 18th or early 19th century replacement.
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.

During the Colonial period, miniature high chests of drawers like this one served as valuables cabinets as period inventory references indicate they stored prized household possessions such as jewelry and silver. One example listed in the 1750 estate inventory of Jacob Hibberd of Chester County contained gold and silver sleeve buttons, silver and brass shoe buckles, a pincushion with a silver chain, silver scissors and a thimble, eight silver teaspoons and a pair of silver tongs. The form was more popular in Pennsylvania than in any of the other American colonies and was produced there throughout the eighteenth century.

Despite its small scale and of rare tiger maple, this one closely follows the design and construction of its full-size Philadelphia counterparts. A related Philadelphia valuables cabinet was sold at Sotheby’s, The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Walter M. Jeffords, October 28-9, 2004, sale 8016, lot 237. Another with a bonnet-top and pad feet made for Catharine Graeff of Lancaster sold at Sotheby’s, The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Lammot Du Pont Copeland, January 19, 2002, sale 7757, lot 57. A flat-top example of cherrywood with slipper feet sold at Sotheby’s, Fine American Furniture, Folk Art, Fine Paintings, & Silver, June 21, 1989, sale 5883, lot 418. One of walnut with a scalloped apron and trifid feet was sold at Sotheby Parke Bernet, The American Heritage Auction, November 16-18, 1978, sale 4180, lot 1068.