June 18-19, 2019 Fine & Decorative Arts
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/19/2019
Mid-19th century. Pennsylvania, possibly Mahantongo Valley. This pine chest, with comb-decorated surface featuring three painted panels on the front. The central panel depicts a folk art rendition of Adam & Eve standing beneath an apple tree in which a yellow serpent is coiled, it's head toward the figure of Eve eating an apple. The central panel is flanked by tombstone panels, each depicting a tree beneath which stands a lion and leopard. We believe that the comb decoration and base paint are original and that the figures decorating the front panels are of later vintage. The hinged lid with applied molded edge decorated with two tombstone panels in cream paint fastened to the conforming dovetailed chest with long wrought-iron strap hinges. The interior with lidded till. The chest with reeded molding, continuing to dovetailed bracket feet, with shaped and scalloped returns. the comb-decorated chest is in a terracotta red/brown paint. The interior of lid has a faint pencil inscription by the lock hasp that reads "Sarah Keller" in script. We noted a Sarah Keller, daughter of Abraham and Susanna Keller of Alsace Township, born in 1797, which at least has proximity to where this chest may have been made. Provenance: From a private collection Blountville, TN. Chest retains a combination of original surface with later decoration. The lid, feet, lock, and strap hinges are original. Lid with wear to paint. Any decoration once within the tombstone arches on lid is no longer present. Some loss to proper right rear foot. Otherwise structurally very good.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.
Item Dimensions: 20-1/2" H x 44" L x 21" D.