Very Fine and Rare Pilgrim Century Carved Oak and Chestnut Document Box, Attributed to William Savell Sr. (w. 1639-1669), Braintree, Massachusetts, Circa 1660

appears to retain its original surface. lacks till.

Wear commensurate with age and use. Evidence of a till which is now lacking. Quarter round on side and front edges of top lacking. It was likely removed at an early date when the corner of the top chipped.
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 exceptional document box is is one of only three surviving pieces by progenitor of the Savell shop tradition, William Savell Sr. (w. 1639-1669).  The others are a chest at the Smithsonian  Institution and  a cupboard fragment at Winterthur Museum (see Peter Follansbee and John D. Alexander, "Seventeenth-Century Joinery from Braintree, Massachusetts: The Savell Shop Tradition," American Furniture 1996, ed. Luke Beckerdite, (Milwaukee, WI: Chipstone foundation 1996), pp. 81-104). All three pieces have their fronts secured to their sides by wooden pegs. Peter Follansbee has noted that there are many other direct quotes in the carved patterns of this box, linking it to the carved joined chests. Among these are the “broken” concave outline on its sides, as well as the gouge-chopped decoration just outside the lunette.