A Chippendale Scallop-Top Chest of Drawers, probably by Benjamin Munn III (1738-1824), Deerfield, Massachusetts, Circa 1775

This newly discovered chest is the fourth known example possibly by Deerfield cabinet maker Benjamin Munn III (1738-1824). Three related chests made for the Hoyt family still reside in Deerfield, two at Historic Deerfield and the other at the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association’s Memorial Hall (see Dean A. Fales, Jr., The Furniture of Historic Deerfield, (New York: Dutton, 1976), pp. 186-7, nos. 387 and 388 and Sotheby's, New York, Important Americana, January 23, 2015, sale 9300, lot 893, acc. no. HD 2015.1). This chest is unique in that the back of the top is also scalloped. Furthermore the chest exhibits several peculiar characteristics. Its top was originally secured to the case with butt hinges and a central elliptical area of the sub-top was removed subsequent to its initial joinery but during its construction. These eccentric techniques indicate that this chest might be a first attempt by the cabinetmaker. For additional information on Connecticut River Valley scallop-top furniture see Michael Brown, “Scalloped-Top Furniture of the Connecticut River Valley,” The Magazine Antiques vol. 117, no. 5, May 1980, p. 1092-99.