American 18th Century Reverse Serpentine Mahogany Chest of Drawers

United States Ca. 1780

A very fine quality Massachusetts four drawer carved and inlaid mahogany bureau, ca. 1780. The top has three bold lines of inlay on the edge and is shaped to conform with the reverse serpentine shaped facade with canted corners. The drawer edges are capped with cock beading. The canted corners have single line inlay repeated on the canted portion of the tall bracket feet. One side of the case has a mounted brass plaque with the inscription “This Bureau Was Purchased From The Decedents Of Sir William Pepperell Who Was Acting Governor Of the Colony Of Massachusetts – 1756-1758. Presented to The Mt. Vernon Association For The Rhode Island Room By Marsden J. Perry, Providence R I.” Perry was a wealthy industrialist and banker who purchased the historic John Brown House in Providence Rhode Island in 1901 maintaining, renovating and upgrading parts. He was a member of the Rhode Island Historical Society, and the Newport Historical Society. Perry died in 1935 “One of the earliest efforts of the preservation movement occurred around the 1850s when George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon was in shambles. His nephew attempted to sell it to the federal government for $200,000, but no one bought it.To prevent further destruction or conversion to a resort, Ann Pamela Cunningham created the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association to fight for this house. After establishing the first group promoting preservation efforts, they raised the money to acquire the property and protect it from ruin.”

Price

$14,000

Condition

Excellent. Less than normal wear, abrasions and small replacements. The hardware is old high quality heavy brass replacements. Some natural shrinkage to the case sides. Overall a very pleasing aspect.

Measurements

Height: 34.25 in.
Width/Length: 40 in.
Depth: 22 in.