William and Mary Joined Oak and Pine Chest of Drawers, Boston Area, 1690-1710

Eastern Massachusetts, probably Boston. Four graduated drawers with applied geometric moldings, split spindles and bosses, the second drawer with lozenge panels; ebonized moldings; ball front feet. Brass teardrop pulls.

Note: This chest was collector and historian, Joseph K. Ott’s first significant purchase of early American furniture. In his 1967 collection list, Ott noted that Albert Sack had been the underbidder and that Sack’s father, Israel, later said he should have bid more than the $1,500 purchase price.

Literature: Joseph K. Ott, "Some Rhode Island Furniture," The Magazine Antiques (May 1975), pg. 940.