A Queen Anne Fan-Carved Cherrywood Bonnet-Top High Chest

A Queen Anne Fan-Carved Cherrywood Bonnet-Top High Chest

Connecticut River Valley, Circa 1780
while the pulls appear early, the are likely replacements.
Height 86 1/2 x width 39 x depth 20 1/2 inches.

Property from the Collection of Addice and Peter Thomas, Fairfax, Virginia American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts In overall fine and stable condition. Retaining a fairly even, refinished patina and surface throughout. Scuffs, marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Age cracks to the sides of the case. The drawer pulls, while seemingly early, they are replaced. The finials, if not of the period, are early replacements. Areas of minor loss to the molded edges of the drawer faces, with few small patches to old losses in those areas. The flared decoration to the apron are later.

Secondary woods: Pine and chestnut

Provenance:
Caputo-Grindle Antiques, Pittston, ME

Note:
Addice and Peter Thomas, passionate collectors of American and English antiques, amassed a vast collection over their 60-year marriage. Both were active members of the Washington, D.C. arts community. Peter served as Dean of the Corcoran School of Art and later as Art Director at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Addice studied voice and worked for two decades as the manager of the Washington Opera at the Kennedy Center.

As collectors, their focus was primarily on the 18th and 19th centuries, though they occasionally acquired from earlier periods. They frequently sourced their antiques at shops along the east coast and during their annual trips to the United Kingdom.

Their collection is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of items from art, folk art, and decorative arts to sterling silver, tinware, blue granite, pewter, copper and brass. Their collection of English ceramics including ironstone, early Mason’s wares, Gaudy Welsh, Gaudy Dutch, and Staffordshire, numbered in the hundreds. Additionally, they acquired over one hundred Staffordshire figures and child's dishes, Toby jugs, and Dutch ceramics including a striking five-vase garniture. Finally, they had a substantial collection of American and English furniture, child’s furniture and over fifty Persian carpets. Their collection was a testament to their passion for antiques and their dedication to building a truly unique collection.