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  1720-1740 NEW HAMPSHIRE BLANKET CHEST WITH NARROW FORM AND GREAT VERTICAL LIFT FROM A DYNAMIC BRACKET BASE
Dimensions (inches): 35" w x 46" h x 17" d
Description:
1720-1740 NEW HAMPSHIRE BLANKET CHEST WITH NARROW FORM AND GREAT VERTICAL LIFT FROM A DYNAMIC BRACKET BASE:

This exceptional New England stand-up blanket chest dates to the period between 1720 and 1740. Among its most notable and unusual features are the bold, tombstone scrollwork on its applied bracket base, the feet of which have unusually high lift and survive in a remarkable state of preservation. These are complimented the tall and narrow format of the case, which results in just the kind of whimsical presentation that can be expected in the very best examples of early New Hampshire furniture.

The chest is made entirely of pine, which is of further interest due to the attractive state of its mellow, honey-colored surface. The joinery is entirely of cut, t-head nails with the exception of the overlapping drawers, which are dovetailed. Like many country chests made very early in rural America, there was no hardware originally. This is readily apparent from the wear along the edges and on the stiles, from years of repeated opening by prying fingers. Hardware was and expensive luxury that most commoners could not afford. The current, blacksmith-made hardware probably dates to somewhere around 1800. Intermittently, two small pulls were likely present near the center of each drawer, probably of the brass, Hepplewhite style used on slant-lid desks, which would explain the two small holes that do not go all the way through the drawer. The lid has forged, snipe hinges.

Condition: Tremendously well-preserved. Minor wear and losses, especially on the lip of the top drawer. The eyelets on the top portion of the snipe hinges could be replacements, while the lower portions are original. This is a minor note on so early a chest.
   
Primary Color: brown, natural
Earliest Date: 1720
Latest Date: 1740
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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