Featured Eastern Shore Virginia - Chesapeake

Mr Goob finally arrived 3 hrs late. Crappy photo because of auto flash, the blue interior isn't nearly that blue either.

 

Yeah really, jeez, GLAD that is over.
Expensive & having to deal with folks that have the IQ of a grapefruit isn't a lot of fun!

 

Phew! Thought it would never happen!

 

PHEW! No scratches I can see and the glass is intact. WHEW.

Now to decide what goes in it.... Poor thing can't just sit there empty.

 

You are NOT alone on that score!
I STRESSED to my goob that the MOST important thing was get it here SAFELY! He did that so I am well pleased.

Indeed and, MOST of that glass is very old! if not original. It's very small, only 72.5 inches tall, petite you might say for a cupboard & perfectly proportioned.
It's ALL there ( except the paint), the crown molding, feet, backboards, glass, even the backboards are attached with its original hand-wrought iron nails.
The interior paint is more a grey-blue than photo shows and you can see what the original paint was on the interior in spots, a cream color.

 

I think all the glass except maybe 2 panes is its original 18th-century glass, incredible.

 

Happiness is..................

James got his cupboard!

Hooray!

 

That's unbelievable except that weird things survive.

 

Yes, I was not expecting the original glass, the fact is though, it is and easily seen in person, a very rare survivor for something 300 years old. Kinda shocked!
I am not going to restore the paint, at least for now. It has a quite imposing presence as is and, a bit intimidating that way. I've talked to a couple restorers and one thing they all agree, a BIG job not to be entered into lightly. I already have 6k in the piece with everything included so let's not get carried away here.
It's an outstanding example in very good condition with great presence as it stands, I made the correct decision no matter what happens this January.

 

A 300 year old piece of furniture with original glass for 6K is a bargain to my way of thinking. Of course I'm into old stuff, so....

 

Agreed, it was a bargain. I didn't steal it but, a very good number for what it is.

 

I took a chance on this little guy and, it worked out!
The old furniture gods smiled at me that day.

 

You nailed this one! Congrats! I have very closely followed this thread,refrained from commenting on the storage part of its travels and the possibility that it was a cheaper storage container or climate regulated as you indicated it was “ any day now” and it’s there praise! Let it acclimate for a bit and google at it! You are a great poster and I love that you are confident in “knowing your stuff”. I’ve learned a lot. I would like to go to the Du Pont sale in January and meet some of our fellow antiquers if I can, and of course meet you. Can you forward info to me as to how I can purchase a catalog for it and how I can get a ticket. I am sure you said when and where before but as far back I’d have to go is daunting. I’m only 90 miles away and can drive or do train or bus. I had commented on the Dominy collection of the du Ponts that I have a connection to. Thanks and enjoy your new acquisition with love!

 

Yes, I remember, the Dominy collection. I wasn't worried about the storage dealio at all, something this age hasn't had much of climate control (A/C & central heat) in its life (except the natural kind), the backboards are black from wood smoke, as they should be.
Here is the link to that sale in January.
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auc...important-americana-from-rocky-hill?locale=en
You should email them and inquire if there will be any Dominy pieces, haven't heard a peep from them since the sale announcement. I won't be going to the sale in person, it's too far from me but, I am registered and will follow with great interest.

 

I’m curious as to the finish that is on it now. Did you test? Does it look older? Stained? Wax only or possibly that a strip was done long ago and it’s not that awful poly? Just tongue oil? Shellac, varnish? I wouldn’t be able to contain myself and be content just looking at it. The qtips and solvents would be out to test. For me it’s like getting a new gemstone and a good loop look. Maybe you know already please keep posting. Thank you for the Sotheby’s sale info. I will take your advise and ask. I would think the museum would have grabbed any Dominy for their collection prior to a sale. I want to see the workshop they have there of the Dominys original tools and designs. But I’m not sure if it’s on display. I know the furniture collection is. It’s even possible some were acquired from earlier family collections. I can’t be sure there were several pieces. Some are still privately owned I’m aware of. Good luck with this project. Sooo exciting.

 

At the moment, aren't most/all Sotheby's NY auctions being restricted to online only because of Covid?