Very Fine and Rare Queen Anne Figured Walnut Block Front Chest of Drawers , Boston, Massachusetts, Circa 1760

appears to retain its original cast brass hardware, retains a dark, rich historical surface.

Collection of Israel Sack Inc., 1938;
Collection of Charles K. Davis.

Albert Sack, The New Fine Points of Furniture (New York, 1993): 107;
Israel Sack Inc., American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection, Volume V, P4350, p. 1324.

Proper front left foot facings cracked, proper front right foot facings cracked. Five minor depressions in top surface. Secondary wood: white pine
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.

Retaining its original bat wing brasses and escutcheons, this chest is distinguished by high quality craftsmanship, use of vibrantly figured walnut, and refined proportions. It was formerly in the seminal Americana collections of Israel Sack in 1938 and Charles K. Davis. It is illustrated as “superior” in The New Fine Points of Furniture by Albert Sack (New York, 1993, p. 107). Referred to as a “swelled” front in the eighteenth century, the blocked façade was a distinct regional preference in New England, particularly in the cabinetmaking centers of Colonial Boston and Newport. With its squared façade, four drawers, and straight bracket feet, this chest is an accomplished example of the form as interpreted in the Boston area. The flat-face blocking with rounded ends is typical of block front furniture from Boston. The conforming, overhanging case top, base blocked at the ogival molding and continuing to the front brackets with ogival outlines integrates the design.

A similar blockfront chest with a history in the Cushing family of Newburyport, Massachusetts is illustrated in American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection, Volume II, no. 1121, p. 449.  Another in the collection of Winterthur Museum descended through five generations of the Selfridge family of Rhode Island.<sup>1

1</sup> See Nancy E. Richards and Nancy Goyne Evans, New England Furniture at Winterthur, 1997, no, 176, pp. 357-8.