This gorgeous three-drawer mahogany salesman's sample chest would have been used by a furniture maker as a visual aid to help make sales. Tabletop chests like these were also often "apprentice chests," created by furniture makers in training before undertaking full sized versions. Just stunning, I believe this one dates from the 1830s-1850s. It features three drawers (numbered in pencil on the back) with dovetailed corner joints and turned mahogany pulls.
The wood on the face of the chest is in very good condition. There are two marks on the back edge of the top, likely where a mirror once sat. There are two buckles to the wood on the top of the chest, one split on the right side of the chest, and one split down the center of the bottom of one interior drawer—all as well documented in photos, and none of which undermine the functionality of the piece. Structurally, it is very sound and the drawers open and close with ease. Really a beautiful piece that would be great for storing jewelry, momentos, writing supplies, and other cherished things.
The chest measures 10 7/8” wide x 8 1/8” x 9 3/4” tall.
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