A Queen Anne Shell-Carved and Figured Maple Flat-Top High Chest of Drawers
New Hampshire, Possibly by Major John Demeritt (American, 1728"1826), Circa 1770-1800
Height 73 x width 40 x depth 20 1/2 inches.
Property from a Private Collection

Provenance:
Christie's New York, Important American Furniture, Folk Art & Chinese Export Porcelain, 14 October 1999, Lot 173

In overall fine and stable condition. Appears to retain a fairly even, refinished surface throughout. Old rose-head nails visible in areas. The hardware, while showing age, is replaced and old holes have been patched. Three drawers in the upper case previously fitted with lock mechanisms, two of those mechanisms have been removed leaving one in tact, but the keyhole for each has been patched over. Age cracks to the sides of the case, with visible patches to those on the lower case. The backboards painted a dark, grayish-green. The lower 1-inch of the cornice molding on the proper left side of the case is replaced. The rear feet show a crack and reglue and a patch on one. One of the rear legs shows an old age crack at the knee, but appears structurally sound. Two drawers having a small patch in the upper right corner, each approx. 1-inch by 3-inches.