We specialize in New England furniture made between 1650 and 1820, with a particular emphasis on William and Mary, country Queen Anne, and Federal period furniture from eastern Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Connecticut River Valley.

Our emphasis is on form and surface, buying and selling pieces that reflect the aesthetic judgement and skill of the maker--and that retain their structural and surface integrity.

There are always pieces in inventory which do not appear on the website. We encourage your visit or phone call!

Click on the photos to see larger images.

We update our website weekly; items marked "sold" have been sold within the last 60 days. Items sold to the trade are removed immediately.

Images of items that have been sold recently can be found on the "Recent Sales" page.

#13533

SOLD

A 'scallop-topped' dressing table

A very rare Queen Anne dressing table with a dramatically -shaped 'scalloped' top, fan-carved center drawer, triple-arcaded and 'blocked' skirt, and with exceptionally fine cabriole legs. One of the rarest and sought after forms in 18th century American furniture. The most comprehensive article about this furniture is by Michael Brown, in The Magazine Antiques, May 1980. I sold this piece in 1990 and have just re-purchased it.

Cherry, with pine secondary wood, in a fine rich old surface. Attributed to the Munn family of cabinetmakers, Deerfield, MA, c.1780-85. Case width 31 1/2", ht. 31 1/2". Top width 36 1/2".

#13502

A Newport high chest

A rare and fine Queen Anne high chest in richly figured tiger maple, with chestnut and poplar secondary woods, and retaining its original brasses. Perfectly proportioned- with extremely fine craftsmanship, the skirt and removable cabriole legs are of the highest quality. This chest has been in a collection in the Concord, NH area since the 1950's. Attributed to Christopher Townsend, Newport, RI, c.1750. Top case 36", lower case 37 1/2", ht. 68 3/4".

See p. 40, "Master Craftsmen of Newport" by Michael Moses, "The John Brown Loan Catalogue", #57, and the frontipiece of the Magazine Antiques, May 1961, for an identical example in mahogany inscribed

"Christopher Townsend Made 1748".

#13552

SOLD

A rare 'grandmother' clock

A rare 'grandmother' or 'dwarf' clock made by Jonathan Winslow, working in central MA from about 1795 to 1825. His clocks were first published in The Magazine Antiques, March, 1938. The pine case, probably made by Winslow, is painted and elaborately stenciled.

There are only a half dozen of his clocks in this size known, and this example was in the collection of Nina Fletcher Little. It is pictured and discussed in "Little by Little" on page 22. Several of Winslow's clocks are pictured and described in much detail on pages 331-337 in "American Wooden Movement Tall Clocks"by Philip Morris. Worcester, MA area, c.1820-25. Ht. 48", width 10 3/4", 7" deep.

#13521

The Sanborn family Queen Anne chest

Attributed to Samuel Dunlap

A rare and fine Queen Anne chest with bold cornice molding, five graduated drawers, classic Dunlap 'egg and dart' base molding, double-scrolled knee returns and short cabriole legs. This chest was purchased directly from the Sanborn family of Boscawen and Salisbury, NH. who were direct descendents of Samuel Dunlap (line of descent provided). Also enclosed is the gold brooch of Abigail Cogeswell Sanborn, who was born in 1826 in Boscawen and married in 1850.

This chest is identical to the example in the Garvin collection at Yale which is signed 'Samuel Dunlap', and pictured in American Case Furniture, by Gerald Ward on p.65 and discussed on pp. 65 & 66. Note the three wooden pins securing the front molding, the comparative size of the backboards, and the light appearance of the top molding at the back-indicating the use of basswood as a molding. That chest has replaced brasses, but indications of small ovals--such as those on this chest-- which are original on the piece shown here.

Maple, with basswood moldings and knee returns, pine secondary wood in drawers and case. 37 1/2" wide, 18" deep, 49 1/2" ht.

#13558

SOLD

A Queen Anne chest

A rare, perhaps unique, Queen Anne chest with drawer on four short cabriole legs ending in pad feet. Small in size, with double-arch molding on the case, a shaped skirt, original brasses, and a great old salmon painted surface. There is an old label on the back which reads "A chest on legs with drawer, acquired 1926, origin, Hull, MA, dealer A. Berry, Junior." This chest first re-appeared in a sale in 1999, where it brought over fifty thousand dollars. Made of red and white pine, probably on the south shore of MA, c.1740. 35 1/2" case width, 16 1/2" deepth, 40 1/2" ht.

#13509

A Wethersfield, CT dressing table

A rare, probably unique, Queen Anne dressing table attributed to the Willard group of cabinetmakers from Wethersfield, and with probable descent in the Buck family. This piece is particularly noteworthy for its diminutive size, the use of three-rather than two banks of drawers, and its classic Wethersfield skirt. Made of cherry, with pine secondary wood, it retains a fine old finish and all but one of its original brasses. It is pictured and fully described on p.82 of Connecticut Valley Furniture, by Kugelman and Lionetti. Case width 29 1/2", 17 3/4" deep, 30 1/2" ht.; width of top 34".

#13555

SOLD

A 17th Century American tape loom

A rare, probably unique, tape loom-- over three hundred years old-- in remarkable 'as found' condition. The wear to the legs attests to its long and continuous use. Found in the attic of the Appleton family farm in Ipswich, MA nearly 25 years ago ( the Appleton's have been in Ipswich since the mid-17th century), there is only one other piece of comparable age and style--the stand for a baptismal bowl from the Gerrish family of Salem used in the First Church of Salem. That stand was given to the Essex Institute in 1873, where it remains today.

Made of maple and ash, in original mustard paint under centuries of use and dirt. One leg was broken out at the post centuries ago and is slightly shorter than the other two. Essex County, MA, c.1690, 41 1/4" ht, 11 1/2" wide.

#13511

A New York 'greate chaire'

A rare New York 'great chaire', c.1710-1740, with arched crest rail, molded stiles, exceptionally well-turned back posts, rolled arms, and 'sausage-turned' stretchers. Maple, in old black paint, over an earlier black paint, over the original thin red paint.

A side chair from the same shop is pictured in Singleton's, Furniture of our Forefathers, p.241, and on p.110 of American Furniture, 2001. That chair descended in the Pruyn family of Albany and is in the collection of the Albany Institute.

#13549

SOLD

A Pennsylvania slat back chair

An exceptional five stat side chair, with the finest proportions, toolwork, and choice of woods. Maple and tiger maple in original surface and condition-and with an old, perhaps original, seat. Philadelphia area, c.1740-60. 45 1/2" ht.

#13541

A very fine Chippendale desk with large ball and claw feet and shell-carved center drop. The exceptional interior with three blocked drawers, SEVEN drawers with carved shells, and a glassed center door. Richly-figured mahogany with fine color-- and retaining most of its original brasses. Boston area, c.1785. In fine condition, with only restoration to one half of one drawer bottom. 40" case width, 33" writing height.

#13501

SOLD

A Sheraton server

An exceptional Sheraton server or card table with carved, paneled, and inlaid decorative details--in remarkable original condition and with the finest surface quality. The case and legs are cherry, the edge of the top is inset with a strip of mahogany, the frame is crossbanded with mahogany and paneled with tiger maple, and the drawer front is centered by a bird's-eye maple paterae set within a rectangular mahogany panel. The front legs at the case are punch-decorated and carved with vines. Below the turned and reeded section of each leg is a fully-carved 'cuff' above the bulbous foot. The plinths of the rear legs are incised with angled carving. The table retains it rare original recumbant lion brasses. Found in Manchester, VT, and probably made in that area, c.1810.

#13145

A fine Queen Anne high chest with graduated five drawer top; the base with shell-carved center drawer and elaborate skirt centered by pierced 'cupid's bow'. The graceful cabriole legs have sharply-ridged knees and 'hocked' ankles. Maple, with pine secondary wood. Exceptional condition, with only a slight repair to one rear foot.

The detail to the fan, the shape of the skirt, the ridged knees, thinness of secondary stock, and the front to back drawer bottoms are all characteristic of high chests made on the North Shore of Mass. Probably Salem area. C.1770-85.

#13498

SOLD

A Queen Anne chest

An exceptional Queen Anne period two drawer blanket chest with false drawers cut from the solid, shaped base with dovetailed skirt and center drop. The case made of strong tiger maple and retaining its original 'Spanish' brown paint. Very few examples in tiger maple are known. Great form and surface quality--and retains all but two of its original brasses. Pine secondary wood. CT. River Valley, c. 1750-60. 36 1/2" wide, 17 1/2" deep, 44 1/2" ht.

#13349

An unusual and striking Sheraton chest with shaped top, graduated bowed front drawers, reeded quarter columns, and turned and reeded legs. The case is nailed and screwed to a separate base. Made of cherry, with bird's-eye maple veneered drawer fronts crossbanded with mahogany, mahogany panels veneered across the base with two vertical applied bands of checkered inlay, and with an eagle inlaid into the center of the dropped base. Probably western PA, c.1810-20. 38 1/2" width, 23" deep, 38" ht.

#13567

SOLD

An unusual embroidery hoop made of pine and ash--original brown stained surface. With a chamfered cross base and a ring-turned shaft, this piece would appear to be mid 18th century, but it was probably made in the first quarter of the 19th century. Found in NH. Approx. 38" ht.

#13569

SOLD

A very rare small tavern table with great scrubbed top and original red-painted base, 'inverted' turnings, and full feet. Made of cherry, with a pine top, c.1710. The base is 12" x 18", the top 16" x 28", ht.23". I have owned only a handful of tables with this type of turning orientation. Found in south-central MA, near the RI border and probably made there.

#13557

A classic New Hampshire Chippendale tall clock with fully-carved pinwheels at center of bonnet and molded, applied bracket base. The dial is painted with flowers at the top and in the corners. There is no restoration to the birch and maple case, which is in an old refinish. Concord, NH area, c.1800-1810. 90" to top of center finial, 86" to top of crest. There has been some old touch-up to the numbers on the dial and to the gilded outlines in the corners.

#13155

SOLD

A very rare Queen Anne chest on frame with a scrolled, or 'bonnet' top. Made entirely of strong tiger maple, and retaining its original brasses, this is the only example of this form that I have seen. Dramatically proportioned, with original finials and drops, a full-bonnet top, shaped top drawers-the center with a pinwheel, molded edges to the drawer sides, and resting on a frame with a triple-arcaded skirt, ridged knees, and fully-developed cabriole legs. Northeastern Ma, c.1780-90. 37 3/4" upper case, 40 1/2" lower case, 88 1/2" ht.

#13548

A rare 18th century table cupboard with dovetailed case and fine nine lite door. Great old color: yellow pine, probably Chester County, c.1820-40. 18" x 24 1/2" x 11 1/2" deep.

#13540

An unusual country thumb-back armchair with shaped crest and double-spindled back. Maple and ash, with chestnut arms--in old black paint. Purchased privately from a RI family and probably made there, c,1815-20. 33 1/2" tall, 17" seat ht.

$375.00

#13538

One of the finest 18th century beds that I have owned. Exceptional, fully-fluted posts with lamb's-tongue chamfering, peaked headboard with applied molded edge. Maple, with pine headboard. The slender legs(21/2") and tall posts(84 1/2") make this a particularly elegant example--and the old surface is supurb. Probably CT origin, third quarter 18th century. I first purchased this bed from John Walton in the late 1970's. Overall dimensions are 55" wide and 76 1/2" long.

#13518

A terrific Delaware Valley sidechair, c.1720-40, with the finest turned front legs, feet, and stretcher. The front posts are nearly 2 1/2" in diameter. 43" ht. Untouched original surface and structural condition. Ex. Compton collection.

#13494

A very rare bannister backed armchair with bold carved and pierced crest-centered by a heart; particularly well-turned finials and back posts, matched by turnings on the split balusters. South-central CT, c.1730-60. The feet are pieced beneath the stretchers where rockers had once been applied. 50" ht, 16 1/2" seat ht.

#13495

An unusual and possibly unique country Classical dressing table or possibly wine cabinet. Poplar and cherry, with original rosewood and mahogany graining and gilt stenciling. The quality of the painted decoration is exceptional. The shaped lower drawer retains its original brass. Probably VT or NY, c.1830-35. Case 30" x 17 1/2", ht. 33 3/4".

#13427

With a deeply-coved cornice molding, fluted quarter columns with lamb's-tongue stops, deeply-carved shell in the skirt, and cabriole legs ending in well-articulated ball and claw feet--and all in strong tiger maple, this transitional high chest is a wonderful example of the country cabinetmaker's art. Exceptional structural condition-with only two drawer lip repairs and one old replaced knee return. Top case 36", lower case 39 1/2", ht. 70 1/2".

Made in NH or MA, c.1785, it is pictured in The Magazine Antiques, August 1964, and I purchased it from the family who acquired it at that time.

#13327

A very rare 18th century beadwork box decorated with flowers, vines and birds. Great color and condition. Probably English, 1st half 18th century.

Top 4 1/4" x 2 3/4", 1 1/2" tall.

#13433 SOLD

A rare William and Mary period one drawer chest with sheath-molded top, front and drawer. Pine, with oak drawer front, corner brackets and till top. Notched corners, and decorated with circular punch decoration on the edges of the front and a design of lines and circles down the center of the front. Original knobs on drawer; original thin red and black paint. Marshfield, MA area, c.1700. See "The Wrought Covenant", pp.14, 33, 34,and 41 for similar examples. A warp had been taken out of the top and I have had the corner brackets restored based on another example in inventory from the same shop. 47" long, 32" ht, 17 1/2" deep.

#13476

SOLD

A classic English caned chair with carved crest and front stretcher-centered by crowns,the back carved with c-scrolls and flowers, and with a fully-twist-turned frame. Beech, c.1675-1690. A virtually identical chair is pictured in Forman, American Seating Furniture, p.235. First stained, then pained black with red, yellow, and green highlights, then grain-painted, now in a peeling old black paint with leather rather than caned seat and back. A great record of changing tastes over the centuries! 46" ht.

#13272

A fine Queen Anne high chest with split drawer top, fan-carved center drawer above a triple-arcaded skirt. Graceful cabriole legs ending in platformed pad feet. Maple, with pine secondary wood; and retaining its original drops and 11 of its 14 original brasses. From a family in West Newbury, MA and probably made there, c.1760. Exceptional condition, with only some minor drawer lip and knee return repair. 73 1/4" H, top case 36 7/8" w, base 39 1/8", depth 19 3/4".

#13418

A fine cherry Chippendale desk in original surface, with original hinges, and retaining most of its original brass handles. With fully-developed ogee feet and a carefully designed interior, this desk was made by a master craftsman. Note the blind-dovetailed case, thinness of stock, and extremely fine dovetailing of all drawers. In exceptional condition throughout, with a fine dry patina. Probably South Shore, MA. c.1800. 38 1/4" case width, 32" writing height.

#13140

A very fine New Hampshire maple and tiger maple highboy with perfect proportions. Triple-arcaded skirt,with original drops, above tall, well-shaped cabriole legs terminating in deeply-hocked ankles and fully-padded feet. Exceptional condition. Southeastern NH, c.1790. I owned an identical high chest with a Bartlett family history from Newburyport in 1996. top case 35 3/4", lower case 38 1/2", 74 1/2" ht.

#10611

A fine William and Mary tavern table in an unusually large size and in great old red paint with scrubbed top. Rear feet built up to level. Birch and pine, probably NH or eastern MA, third quarter, 18th century. Re-purchased from the collectors to whom I had sold it twenty years ago. Top 32 1/2" x 49 1/2", height 26".

#13464

A pair of Federal period 'lemon-top' andirons with matching log stops and with matching tools. Probably Boston, c.1790-1800. 17" ht., 20" deep.

#11897

A very fine and rare Queen Anne tall clock: walnut case in great old surface, with crotch walnut door-with molded and shaped upper edge- and with an applied bracket base. The works by Daniel Balch, Newbury, MA, and the pendulum bob stamped

"DB 1753"

As with many tall clocks, this example apparently fell around the turn of the 19th century), and the dial, identical to a number by David Wood of Newburyport, was replaced at that time. The top of the bonnet was restored at the same time with carved pinwheels and turned and gilded wooden finials. The result is a case with dramatic presence, as well as a testament to the clock's value to its owners, and an example of a successful blending of styles from the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 19th century.

  

#13428d

A Portsmouth Queen Anne chair shown with necessary repair and in a completed state. C. 1730-35.

#13445

SOLD

A very unusual valuables or sewing box with lift lid, hidden drawer, and shaped base. Made of tiger maple and poplar, inlaid with maple and walnut--and nearly completely covered with intricate floral motifs-some inlaid, some simply scribed. Probably second quarter 19th century. Found in New England, but possibly Pennsylvania in origin. 13.5" L x 9.5"D x 7.25" H

#13468

A rare Queen Anne blanket chest with original brass and old red paint. Note heavy cutout to front and side of base and deeply- molded edge to lid and at base. New York, c.1760. Case 43", ht. 37 1/2".

#13470

SOLD

A very fine Hepplewhite card table with molded edge top and double-swing rear legs. Cherry, with mahogany inlay on freize- with each section centered by a full paterae and outlined with string inlay. The leg plinths with bookend inlay and with icicle inlay and stringing on all four legs. Probably CT River Valley, c.1800. Only 33 3/4" wide, 29 1/2" ht.

#13337

A very rare set of eight birdcage Windsor chairs-including two armchairs. Each chair is stamped by the maker "D. Abbot & Co." Daniel Abbot's chair factory was located on Middle St. in Newburyport from 1809-1815. Originally painted black, refinished probably in the 1930's, and re-painted black by the family who owned them in the 1970's. De-accessioned by a local historical society, they are in exceptionally good condition with only a repair to one seat and with one restored stretcher.

#13442

A Chippendale tall chest with 'tray' top, triple top drawer-the center one with a fan, six rows of drawers all on a tall bracket base. Maple, with chestnut secondary wood. In exceptional original condition-with no damage to the case or drawers, and in a fine old finish. The brasses are old replacements.

This is the classic Rhode Island chest, with a boldly-projecting top molding, graduated drawers, and tall, straight bracket feet. C. 1770-80.

#13085

A Dunlap School Queen Anne chest on chest , or 'New Hampshire highboy', with fine proportions, and with deeply-carved fans in both top and bottom sections. Nicely-developed skirt and particularly delicate legs and feet. Birch, south-central NH, last quarter 18th century. Remarkably good structural condition (one knee return restored), and retaining its original brasses. 38 1/2" lower case, 77" ht.

Descended in the Richardson family of Newburyport.

#11725 

A country Chippendale tiger maple desk with great form and color-particularly bold ogee bracket feet and nicely-developed interior.  Found in southeastern NH.  C.1785-18000.  Repairs to back feet. Case 39.75"w, writing height 31".

   

#13129

A very fine 'high country' Chippendale tall clock with floral painted dial, 8 day brass works; and in a case with fluted quarter columns, and a bold ogee bracket base. Birch, in great old surface--and in an unusually small size-- only 85" to top of finial. Southeastern NH or North Shore, Ma, c.1800. Descended in a family in Atkinson, NH. The fret is probably an old replacement.

#13393

A rare and unusual Delaware Valley slat-back 'slipper ' chair. Classic finials, curved slats, and bulbous feet--and with a particularly bold front stretcher. Maple throughout, in old brown paint over an original gray. 38" ht, 13 1/2" seat ht.

#13275

A fine and rare shoe-foot hutch table with oversized top (48" x 51"), triple-scalloped skirt, hourglass-shaped sides on raised and molded shoe feet. Three board top secured to shaped cleats with original T-headed nails. Fine old surface showing traces of original thin red wash. Pine, with oak feet. Probably southern NE, c.1740-60. 28 1/4" ht.

#13377

A matched set of four Hepplewhite 'ribbonback' sidechairs from the Webber family of South Berwick, ME. Made of birch, the chairs retain their original red stain and original white-painted rush seats. Portsmouth, c.1800. Small repair to one crest rail. 36 3/4" ht, 16 1/2" seat ht. Great 'as descended' surface quality.

#13378

A rare Sheraton sideboard with swelled 'cookie-cornered top', applied reel molding around top and base, reeded and waterleaf- carved posts, and turned legs ending in bulbous feet. Mahogany, with mahogany veneered panels and crossbanding pine secondary wood. Attributed to William Hook, Salem, MA, c.1815. Case width 45", 48" max. width, 39 1/2" ht. In 'as descended' condition, with minor restoration to applied ornament.

Descended in the Moody family of York, ME, and removed from the 1684 Moody family house.

#13339

A rare sheath-molded or 'linen fold' chest with a molded lid, wooden cleat hinges, two bands of horizontal molding, flaring feet and an old red-painted surface. The ends retain their original dry red, the top and front have an old thin worn coat of shllac over the original red. No structural repair or restoration, probably MA, c.1700-1720. 45 1/2" long, 25 1/2" ht, 16 3/4" deep.

#13444

An unusual, if not unique, Federal period dressing glass. With scrolled legs, urn-shaped shaft, shield-shaped mirror frame with attached shelf, and adjustable post. Cherry throughout, with maple band around mirror--all in old surface. The shaft shows an old repaired break. New England, perhaps CT, c.1825-35. Ht. 41 1/2".

#13315

A rare pair of wrought iron andirons with penny feet, chamfered shafts, and with terrific faceted ball and flame finials. Probably PA, c.1740-60. 22 1/2" ht, 16" deep. The brass finials are more than 6" tall.

#13409

A country Hepplewhite card table with line-inlaid top, cherry-veneered facade with inlaid oval of flame birch and plumes of flame birch inlay above legs, amd wide band of flame birch along lower edge. Some restoration to edge banding. Good old color, exceptionally heavy construction. Probably VT or CT River Valley. 35 1/2" length, 28 1/4" ht.

#13184

A fine leather trunk with intricate and folky tack decoration. These are rare survivals-as the leather is usually heavily damaged. In exceptionally good condition. Probably Dutch, late 18th century. 32" long, 19" deep, 24" tall.

#13069

A rare American Federal period pole screen. Cherry and birch, with poplar panel, in great original surface. Urn finial is turned as part of post; turning of shaft, detail at juncture of shaft and legs, and overall proportions are exceptional. Patterned silk fabric was found under two layers of wallpaper. 59 1/2" ht. New England, c.1800.

#13065

A fine and rare Sherarton card table with fully serpentined top, reeded legs terminating in turned and bulbous feet. Note the waterleaf carving, with punched background at top of legs and complex frame bracing. School of William Hook, Salem, MA, c.1800-1810. Old or original surface, no repair or restoration.

#13021

A fine portrait of a seaman by Charles Delin, port painter, c.1800-1810. A very old re-lining. 20 1/2" x 24" frame size.

#12073

A terrific small tavern table-base 16 3/4" x 21" with great overhang- top 25 3/4" x 41 1/2". Maple base, pine drawer, single board birch top. Great crusty surface. The top was originally from another table-attached to this base in the first half of the 19th century.

#11778

A rare Hepplewhite shield-back armchair in its original polychrome paint and original condition.  Beech throughout-which makes its origin difficult to determine.  Chairs like this were made in England, but also in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.

#13156

A fine country Sheraton card table with serpentined and blocked front. Cherry, with mahogany banded edge and inlaid with panels of flame birch along the freize on front and sides. Unusual turned and reeded legs. Perfect structural condition-retaining all glue blocks, and in a great old surface. Central NH, c.1810-15. 35 1/2" wide, 29 3/4" ht.

#13088

A very fine dome-topped box with unusual decoration of black half-circles outlined with yellow. A feee-hand bouquet of fruit and flowers centers the top.

Probably Maine. 37" x 19" x 17"ht.

#13421

SOLD

A very fine Hepplewhite corner washstand with scrolled back, tapered legs, and with hinged drawer in frame. Made of highly-figured tiger maple throughout, but the darkening of the original surface makes the piece almost 'black'. Pine secondary wood, and tiger maple veneer on the drawer front. 17" deep to corner, 37 1/2" ht. This combination of form, wood choice, and surface give it a great presence. It is not "just another washstand"!

#13192

A low six board chest with a deeply-molded edge to the top, applied molded base, and fine interior. Exceptionally clean condition and in original great dry red paint. 50" long, 16" deep. 17" ht.