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High chest of drawers

about 1730–50
Object Place: New England, possibly Boston area, United States

Medium/Technique Mahogany, white pine
Dimensions Overall: 208.3 x 111.8 x 53.3 cm (82 x 44 x 21 in.)
Credit Line Gift in memory of Anna A. Holbrook
Accession Number1992.454
CollectionsAmericas
The drawers here were constructed using V-shaped, dovetail joints, most easily seen where the dark mahogany of the drawer front intersects with the lighter pine of its side. Some cabinetmakers developed preferences for the shape of their dovetails; this often helps scholars identify the origin of a particular piece.

ProvenanceSaid to have been owned originally by the Parker family of Boston and to "have come to America from England in 1734"; to a Miss Sally Parker of Bolton, Massachusetts; to Mr. Lester (?) Potter by about 1902; given by him to Mrs. John Everett (Anna A. Holbrook) as a wedding present in 1902; inherited by her son, the donor, on June 29, 1940; given in 1992.