THE LEARNED FAMILY QUEEN ANNE CARVED WALNUT BONNET-TOP HIGH CHEST OF DRAWERS, ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS, CIRCA 1766

Appears to retain its original cast-brass hardware and finials, with one flame replaced.  Inscribed on reverse in chalk By the will of God – W.D. May 11, 1766.

A probable first owner is William Learned (1739-1807), Watertown, Massachusetts who married Ann Cox on December 17, 1766.
Descended through the Learned family until purchased by;
Ginsburg & Levy, Inc., New York.

Locks are replaced, several drawer runners replaced, 6 1/2 in patch to veneer of lower most drawer divider in upper case, secondary wood is white pine, with a 12 in. triangular patch to top of upper right side of bonnet dustboard, interior of drawers have been varnished, proper right front leg cracked and reglued at junction of case, appears to retain all of its original knee returns, 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.

This high chest displays the distinctive features of a group of high chests made in the Essex County region (Ipswich and Salem) of Massachusetts. The features are the high chest’s leg profile, incurving knee respond, and trapezoidal bonnet construction.  Several other high chests in the group feature variations of the cyma-shaped arches of the skirt, including a chest in the Dallas Museum of Art and Deerfield.¹ The profile of the skirt on the Sotheby's high chest relates directly to a dressing table once in the collection Philip Flayderman and another offered by Israel Sack Inc..²  

¹ Charles L. Venable, American Furniture in the Bybee Collection, (Austin, TX: University of Texas Press, 1989), pages 19-22; Dean A. Fales, Jr., The Furniture of Historic Deerfield, (New York: E.P. Dutton and Company, Inc., 1976), page 213. Israel Sack Inc., Opportunities in American Antiques, (New York, Israel Sack Inc., 1997) , p. 10, P6663.
² American Art Association, Anderson Galleries, New York, Colonial Furniture, Silver & Decorations … The Late Philip Flayderman, January 2-4, 1930, sale 3804, lot 422 and Israel Sack inc., Celebrating Our 90th Anniversary, (New York: Israel Sack Inc., 1993), p. 14, P2717