Chest of Drawers

Object Name:

Chest of Drawers

Object ID:

1981.020

Creator:

Bullock, Martin (1810-1876)Cabinetmaker

Place of Origin:

Newport, NH

Date:

1830

Description:

Chest of Drawers. Empire style. Inscribed in ink on backboard, "Made by Martin Bullock from Gra[f]ton N.H. Newport August the 14- 1830". Mahogany, mahogany veneer, with pine, maple, and other secondary woods. Straight front main case, with single-layer amphitheater (semi-circular cut out) shaped tier above (amphitheater shape also in dressing table by same maker, 1981.032). Scroll ended backboard behind upper tier; pressed brass medallions at scroll ends. Four full-length drawers in main case; 2 small drawers in upper tier. Top drawer in main case extends 2.5" beyond the lower drawers. Each drawer in main case is same height (6"), with oval pressed brass escutcheons and locks, and two wooden drawer pulls. Cock beading around each drawer. Each small drawer in upper tier has a single wooden drawer pull. Central portion of engaged colonnettes are spiral turned, with ring turnings above and below, and inverted cup turnings above. Above the colonnettes are rectangular blocks with carved leaves. Vase and ball turned feet extend below colonnettes. Pressed brass medallions on blocks above feet. Front of chest (excluding colonnettes and legs) veneered in mahogany; drawers with figured mahogany. Drawers are of dovetail construction; bottoms made of pine, backs of maple, sides unidentified. Number "1" through "4" written in pencil on backs of drawers in main case. Number "1" and "2" on drawers in upper tier. No dust boards; bottom board present. Many glue blocks present under the top and bottom boards of chest. The inner corners of the upper tier amphitheatre are reinforced with rose-head nails and leather washers (construction of amphitheater hidden by sides of small drawers).

Material:

Wood
Mahogany
Pine
Maple
Brass

Dimensions:

H-50.125 W-43.75 D-21.375 inches

Provenance:

Chest of drawers, purchased by seller (Peter Hill, American Arts, East Lempster, NH) at the July 13, 1980 auction of the Austin Corbin (1827-1904) Mansion, North Newport, NH. Purchased with funds from the W. N. Banks Foundation.

Credit Line:

Gift of The W. N. Banks Foundation

People:

Corbin, Austin (1827-1896), Bullock, Martin (1810-1876)