Superb MINIATURE
Lift-Top
Blanket Chest 

Probably Coastal Massachusetts, ca. 1760-1790. Original dry Spanish brown paint on mixed soft woods, including pine and maybe basswood.

I liked this little chest from the moment I first saw it. It has a “presence” from being just the “right size” and vertical “lift”. It stands proudly on tall legs, formed in part by half-moon cutouts on the sides. The lift-top has applied moldings; the drawer with original whale-bone pulls; joinery by dovetails (several in the front and large-single dovetails in the back). The interior of the drawer is lined with later paper, probably early 19th century, handwritten with bible passages.

Note how bright and clean the protected interior and drawer bottom are. In a strong state of preservation, with expected paint wear and abrasions yet so structurally crisp and straight. Hand-planed. Retains original undisturbed snipe hinges.

About 14 inches tall x 13 ½ wide x 7 ½ deep.

According to family history, this chest was made by a cousin to Founding Father, and second President, John Adams.

Provenance includes Nathan Liverant and Son; private New York State collection.