This well proportioned high chest or highboy survives in wonderful condition and retains an important historic surface. The rich color is further enhanced by the original pierced brass hardware that has acquired a fine mellow patina. The chest has a distinctive coastal Massachusetts form, specific to Boston. A group of document examples in this same form have traditionally been attributed to the celebrated Boston cabinetmaker, Benjamin Frothingham [1734-1809]. One of these examples, that is in the Winterthur Museum collection, was produced for a Roxbury resident and is signed in chalk by Frothingham. This strong attribution coupled with the superior condition and surface, distinguish this as an important specimen of 18th Century Boston cabinetmaking.
The high chest is constructed of high quality, dense mahogany that has developed a deep color and a mellow surface. The nicely formed bonnet top has a broken arched cornice with a broad cove molding. The arches frame large circular cut-outs that form a raised central plinth. This plinth and a pair of rectangular chimneys, at each corner of the crest, are set with wonderful flame twist and urn-form finials. The crest is above a set of three short drawers. The center drawer is larger and features a convex radiant fan carving. This is above a set of four graduated long drawers. Each drawer has a molded surround and is fitted with a set of original pierced brass drawer pulls and lock escutcheons. The upper cases rests within a stepped molding on the base section. The base has a single long drawer above three short drawers. The center drawer repeats the convex fan carving. The shaped apron features a pair of brackets mounted with turned drops. The apron joins a cabriole legs with shaped returns and attractive pad feet on small disks.
Dimensions: Height with finial 87”; Width 42 ½”; Depth 22 ½”