Lot 854

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Description:

Wythe County, Virginia painted blanket chest circa 1800, red sponge-decorated rectangular top above conforming case decorated with two astragal panels each featuring a large tulip below an arch flanked by two smaller tulips in a pitcher, upon molded apron on bracket feet.
H24 1/2" W48" D21"

Provenance: This piece descended to the current owner from his mother, Mrs. Ruth Dobyns Cornett, who purchased the piece from a Wythe County, VA resident in the late 1930's.

Literature: Moore, J. Roderick. PAINTED CHESTS FROM WYTHE COUNTY VIRGINIA. The Magazine Antiques. Sept. 1982. pp.516-21.

Other Notes: In the 1750's German-Swiss immigrants began settling the land in Virginia that came to be known as western Wythe County. Over the next one hundred years, they would continue to write and speak German, their ancestral roots strong in all aspects of their lives, found today in the surviving painted blanket chests that were produced there.

A study of twenty-two of these chests in the Magazine Antiques found that each was decorated with variations of the tulip panels found on this piece. Background colors ranged from brown to dark red, and many of the pieces were sponge-decorated. While it is suggested that the inspiration for the decoration of these chests came from a similar piece made in Jonestown, Pennsylvania, scholars believe that they were produced by the Huddle-Spangler family of Wythe County. Several of the chests in the survey were signed Johannes Hudel, the German spelling of the name John Huddle, and genealogy and tradition link nineteen of them to his family. While it is unknown who made this blanket chest, the wood, construction, decoration and provenance link it to this group of chests, an example of early cabinetmaking.

    Condition:
  • good original condition; original paint except for rubbing on edges and corners; minor scratches consistent with age and use.


    *** Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that an object is free of defects or restoration. All lots are sold 'As Is' and in accordance with the Conditions of Sale. Condition reports and additional photographs are provided by request as a courtesy to our clients. Condition reports are not to be considered substitutes for physical examination by you and/or your advisors. Charlton Hall's specialists are not trained professional conservators or restorers; we urge you to inspect each lot yourself or have your agent do so on your behalf. Prospective buyers should satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charlton Hall Galleries, Inc., or its specialists is merely a subjective opinion, notwithstanding written reports or any discussion concerning condition in this catalogue. Prospective buyers should bear in mind that these reports will not disclose any imperfections which may only be revealed during the course of subsequent restoration and/or repair. Buyers are reminded that Charlton Hall Galleries' warranties with respect to property are limited as set forth in our Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Condition reports are provided by request on a 'first come, first served' basis. Requests submitted close to or during the auction may not be completed.

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March 25, 2012 1:00 PM EDT
West Columbia, SC, US

Charlton Hall

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