Featured 1800s Chest of Drawers

This chest of drawers has been in my family since the 1800s. I realize it has scratches and such, but I thought it was so cool that it still has the key with it! Can anyone tell me any more about it and how much it might be worth?

 

@verybrad

 

Hi Anna, Are there any markings on any of the (inside or outsides) of the drawers or on the underside of the dresser? What is the last photo of?

 

The dovetails. It's at least partially hand-made.

 

A drawer side? And markings? Also where are you located- the more info the better when you are asking for help is appreciated.

 

Surprisingly astylar for the era, and charming. Looks like walnut ca. 1850 give or take.

Since antique furniture value has tanked, I would expect to see this sell for less than $100 in my part of the US Midwest. I don’t know about your location. Since this is a family piece, I’d just keep it as a wonderful legacy.

 

Pretty much agree with Ghopper but not sure this is walnut. I am on my phone so can't see it too well. Back board looks too plain to be original but suppose it could be.

 

Everything is original. Yes, it's a pretty plain piece.

The photo is of the dovetails.

The piece is in Los Angeles.

Can't see any markings.

 

I actually like how it's so simple and primitive. No screws, only wooden pegs, as you can see in the first picture. No drawer glides either, just a little shelf that the drawer sits on. Kind of hard to get the drawers open, but maybe that's the charm of it.

 

How do you know the back board is original?

Debora

 

Well, I guess I wasn't around in the 1800s, so I can't verify that it's original! I have only been around for 57 years, and it's been like that since then.

 

Just turned the piece around to look at the backboard today, and it actually has screws! So I don't know if that's an indication that it is a later addition?

 

Update: I was able to call the representative from my moving company, and he said he would swap out 10 of the boxes for moving this family 1850s chest of drawers! I didn't think I would have room for it, but it made me ponder things some more, and I will put it in our guest bedroom up in Washington. It will be a lovely place to display all the family lace and silver, and I can store the extra antique silver and linens in the drawers, as well as have space for guests to put their clothes! This is the second piece you guys have helped me think through and find a place for in my home. Thank you so much. You are helping to maintain a treasured family legacy.

 

That’s awesome Anna!!!

 

That's great! P.S. I bet the backboard was a 20th-century addition but could be wrong.

 

Could be. I was only born in the latter half of the 20th century, so I really couldn't say. If it is an addition, though, I'd say it matches pretty well!