Lot 955
  • 955

A VERY RARE PILGRIM CENTURY RED-PAINTED OAK, PINE, CEDRELA AND CEDAR DOCUMENT BOX, NEW YORK, CIRCA 1700 |

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description

  • Height 11 1/2 in. by Width 27 1/2 in. by Depth 19 in.; 29.2 by 69.9 by 48.6 cm.
retains an early red painted surface, as well as its original gimmal hinges and iron lock; interior fitted with two drawers.

Provenance

Fred J. Johnston, Kingston, New York, May 1994;
Vogel Collection no. 597.

Exhibited

Remembrance of Patria: Dutch Arts and Culture in Colonial America, 1609-1776, May 9 to October 12, 1986, Albany Institute of History and Art, Albany, New York.

Literature

Roderic H. Blackburn and Ruth Piwonka, Remembrance of Patria: Dutch Arts and Culture in Colonial America, 1609-1776, (Albany, NY: Publishing Center for Cultural Resources for the Albany Institute of History and Art, 1988), no. 194, p. 177.

Condition

Overall very fine condition. Retains an early red painted historic surface. Wear commensurate with age and use. Few age crack visible.
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.

Catalogue Note

This box is a great rarity as very few Hudson River Valley document boxes were made and even fewer survive.  The Dutch, unlike the English, proudly displayed their family Bibles on tables or chests in their homes. Therefore, the need for a box to store the Bible was unnecessary.  This box is also notable for the detailed chip, punch, and compass decorative treatment on its corners, along with the use of applied exotic cedar and cedrela moldings and guilloche carved base molding.