Help me ID and date what I believe to be an Empire dresser

Greetings Antiquers forum!

Empire dresser in pine (my first assumption) with the exception of the small upper drawer still in mahoganey. I've concluded that the previous owner cleared the veneer some years ago before my wife purchased this piece. Perhaps the orange discoloration on the side is remaining adhesive?

I want to get an approximate date on the dresser and opinions of its authenticity before I take next steps to elevate its appearance a bit. All observations and opinions are appreciate.

empire front by AvantG posted Sep 3, 2023 at 3:56 PM

empire side by AvantG posted Sep 3, 2023 at 3:56 PM

empire lock by AvantG posted Sep 3, 2023 at 3:56 PM

empire drawer by AvantG posted Sep 3, 2023 at 3:56 PM

empire drawer bottom by AvantG posted Sep 3, 2023 at 3:56 PM

empire back by AvantG posted Sep 3, 2023 at 3:56 PM

 

Notable features; rectangular nail heads and flat nails, dovetail joint drawers (smallish though they may be), locks appear to be placed with a hand chisel as I have one lock missing and it is crude under these locks. Three top drawers.

 

Id guess 1860s,but Im often wrong.The proportions seem off to me,so Im wondering if a country carpenter. Now that the finish is gone,Id almost leave it like it is. Just throw on a coat of wax .

 

Yes well - my opinion is not an educated one so I'm hoping some here can educate me. The wood looks really dry and could use some protection. Wax or tung oil? May want to hide some of the wood putty locations exposed after the veneer was removed.

 

Really a late classical piece, circa 1860. Often tagged as empire. I think your other assumptions are right about this. You are lucky the base wood is cohesive as it is. You could stain to approximate the original look but, if there was ever a good candidate for paint, this is it.

 

I agree.
Google 'Gustavian dresser' for inspiration.
The Gustavian style is Swedish, late 18th-early 19th century, so earlier than your dresser. But the style of your dresser is close to the Gustavian style. They used a lot of whites and pastels which would look great on your dresser.

 

Oh - I see your point on the similarity to Swedish Gustavian style along with the painted patina look of many of them. Giving this some thought.

 

Thanks for the insight. Care to hazard an opinion of the orange shading on some locations? I suggested old adhesive but who knows. If adhesive how would you attempt a delicate removal?