$62,500
Carved Oak and Pine "MH" Hadley Chest, Hadley, Massachusetts, area, late 17th/early 18th century, the hinged pine top above a fully carved joined case of panels above two drawers, the initials "MH" surrounding by repeating star, foliate, and tulip motifs, and a single heart below, old surface, ht. 38 3/4, wd. 42 3/4, dp. 18 1/2 in. Provenance: The initials on this chest may relate to Miriam Hovey, the daughter of Lieutenant Thomas and Sarah Cook Hovey, who was born August 27, 1689, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony; Mrs. George C. Bryant, Ansonia, Connecticut; Spencer and Judd, Essex, Connecticut; to a Boston area collection. Literature: In Clair Franklin Luther, The Hadley Chest, 1935, this chest is described as No. 40, p. 137. The Newtown Bee in 1973 ran an article headlined "Rare Hadley Chest to be featured at the Connecticut Show." Estimate $30,000-50,000 Chest is in very nice condition. The top appears to be original. There is wear along the front edge of the lid, some light yellowed residue in some of the decoration on the front, and general wear overall. The height appears to be original, and there are still remnants of early black color. Chip to corner of one back stile - does not affect height. Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2020-08-03
