Attributed to Samuel Brown
Colchester, Connecticut
Circa 1770
Cherry
37.5″ W; 81″ H; 19″ D
One of the earliest chests in the Colchester style surviving with its original stepped superstructure. There are four chests known in this “stepped” Colchester group. This chest is nearly identical to a high chest in a private collection signed by Samuel Brown (b. 1748). (See Kugelmans, Connecticut Valley Furniture, no. 120, pp. 264-7) The distinctive shell design, scrolled knee returns, and prominent ankle are all typical of other Colchester pieces. The quality of the carved fans and its fine condition make this chest a very fine example.
Provenance: Riker family, New Jersey (contributors to the Girl Scout Loan Exhibition, 1929).
Why we love it: This is a form that is in several museum collections. For any highboy to survive with the original china steps is incredible. I guarantee it will be a long time before I see another one of these.