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Antique American Federal Mahogany Diminutive Four-Drawer Chest, Possibly Mid-Atlantic
Made in USA, Circa 1800–1825.
Approx. 25 1/4” High x 23 1/8” Wide x 16 1/2” Deep.
An unusually compact American Federal four-drawer chest, dating to approximately 1800–1825 and possibly of Mid-Atlantic origin, constructed with mahogany primary wood and pine secondary wood.
The chest retains the elegant restrained proportions and decorative vocabulary associated with the Federal period, including fine lightwood string inlay to the top, cockbeaded drawer fronts, shaped bracket feet, and period-style carrying handles mounted to the sides.
The diminutive scale is particularly appealing. Measuring only 25 1/4 inches high, the chest is considerably smaller than the conventional full-size Federal chest of drawers and was designed as a highly functional small case piece, suitable historically as a bedside, dressing, or portable storage chest.
The side carrying handles further emphasize its intentionally movable form.
Construction details support an early 19th-century American date.
The drawers display hand-cut dovetails and solid-board construction, with substantial pine secondary woods and traditional wooden drawer runners and guides.
The case incorporates broad solid boards, while the figured mahogany show surfaces and narrow contrasting stringing provide the refined appearance expected of Federal-period cabinetmaking.
The combination of mahogany, pine secondary wood, stringing, cock beaded drawers, bracket-foot treatment, and traditional hand construction is consistent with American Federal furniture and makes a Mid-Atlantic origin a credible possibility, although a specific regional attribution has not been established.
The oval drawer pulls are Federal in style; however, they may be later replacements and are not represented as original. The side carrying handles appear consistent with the period and form. No maker's mark has been observed.
Excellent antique condition consistent with approximately two centuries of age and use. The chest retains substantial historic surface character with scratches, abrasions, finish wear, edge wear, and scattered marks throughout. There are areas of veneer loss, lifting, chipping, and associated losses, most notably to portions of the drawer fronts. Feet and lower edges exhibit age-related wear. Later protective pads are present on the underside. Drawer pulls may be replacements. Evidence of old repairs and normal construction movement may be present. The chest has not been refinished for this offering, preserving its aged character and early construction details. Please consider the condition part of the historic character of the piece.
