Chest of Drawers

Object Name:

Chest of Drawers

Object ID:

1977.025

Creator:

Ross, Stephen (1785-1854) -- Cabinetmaker

Place of Origin:

Salisbury, NH

Date:

1812

Description:

Chest of drawers, bow front. Made by Stephen Ross (1785-1854), Salisbury, N.H., 1812. Six drawers, three narrow drawers at top above three drawers extending full-width of case. Drawers are graduated and bordered with crossbands. The crossbands are outlined with light line stringing. A band of elaborate dark and light diagonal inlay, bordered with light line stringing, on front edge of top. The borders of stringing continue along side edges of top, enclosing plain band. Four French bracket feet. Scrolled skirt with rounded drop at center. A band of diagonal inlay (similar to but less elaborate than that on edge of top) along front of base, above skirt. Band continues along base of sides in the form of triple light and dark line stringing. Each of three lower drawers and central upper drawer have an oval stamped brass escutcheon. Lower drawers each have two brass handles, consisting of oval plates with decorative masks and bails. Left and right upper drawers each have one handle of same design. Central drawer has small brass knob. Front of case including fronts of legs veneered with mahogany. Top and sides of case, including sides of legs, birch. Full bottom boards. Chalk inscription on outer surface of backboard: "S. Ross/Salisbury/September/1812." Chalk calculations on inner surface of backboard and on back of central small drawer. "F[ ]D" in red on right side of same drawer. Drawers numbered inside on backs and renumbered on bottoms. Inscription appears to be in two hands.Laminated drawer fronts. Steel locks on small central drawer and two upper long drawers; lowermost escutcheons "blind." Diagonal braces behind rear feet, with inner edges having ogee outline.

Material:

Mahogany
Brass

Dimensions:

H-38.5 W-4.125 D-22 inches

Provenance:

Formerly in the collection of William H. and Pamelia B. G. Coburn, Boston, MA, who are said to have acquired it in New Hampshire.
Purchased for New Hampshire Historical Society from Ronald DeSilva, antiques dealer, New York, NY.

Credit Line:

Gift of The W. N. Banks Foundation

People:

Ross, Stephen (1785-1854)