A striking early 19th-century American figured mahogany chest of drawers, dating to the Late Classical / Empire period, circa 1830–1845.
The chest is distinguished by its unusually handsome use of bookmatched figured mahogany veneers. A narrow upper register of small drawers sits above four full-width drawers, the uppermost displaying a dramatic symmetrical flame or crotch-mahogany panel surrounded by contrasting banding. The remaining drawers retain beautifully expressive mahogany grain, creating considerable movement across the façade.
Each drawer is fitted with brass ring pulls and individual key escutcheons, while the case terminates in wonderfully proportioned turned front feet. The restrained casework, figured veneers, turned feet and combination of small upper drawers over long drawers are characteristic of American Classical furniture of the second quarter of the 19th century. Period American Empire chests with comparable drawer arrangements and turned feet are documented from this era.
