Featured Cushman light finish, unusual drawer pull

Does anyone know anything about this Cushman chest? The finish is lighter than on other pieces I have collected. And the pulls are different than those of most chests I have seen. Thanks.

 

My Aunt had one of those. Made in the 50's. That sure looks to be in great condition - maybe refinished?
@verybrad should be able to give you information.

 

Can we see any manufacturer marks or labels?

@Drew is our Cushman expert, hopefully he'll be along soon.

 

Yes, a later 50's into the early 60's looking piece (that tag was used 1942-64). It will likely have a model number impressed into the wood on the back. I may have reference material on this piece in terms of finish. Cushman moved away from the russet color used in the 30's & 40's. This looks like it was refinished, unless it was really cared for.

 

Thank you.

 

I have learned it is from the Middlebury collection in Harvest Brown finish. Made from 1955 to 1958. My chest is 5554 and my dresser 5553.

 

Seems right. The harvest 'brown finish' would have been a light straw colored stain, and it looks from the photo have been stripped to the natural birch wood and clear coated. I honestly think it looks much better then the HB finish, looks like a good job was done.
I collect the earlier Cushman of 1933-53ish with that russet finish... many collectors greatly prefer original finish being intact on these, but the later pieces lend themselves to what was done to your pieces. Very nice, well made classics from Vermont ! Here's a photo of the HB finish.

 

Thanks for the photo and insight into the finish.

 

I found this description in a 1955 catalog for Cushman Contemporary and think my piece may be original with the same translucent finish used on the contemporary collection. I also found this descriptive label on a photo of a Cushman Contemporary piece.