18th Century Chapin Highboy

I posted on the Furniture forum that I am looking for antique dealers who buy 18th century Americana furniture. This is one piece I'd like to sell. It's an original 18th century Chapin highboy. Does anyone have recommendations for a good antique dealer that I could possibly work with? Here is the highboy. I have some other pieces of furniture that I'm considering selling as well. Thanks!

 

Those are the most out of proportion swan neck finials I have ever seen.

That is the Elephant Man of furniture. It's like a horrible road accident where you should not look, but can't look away.

I can't help with antique dealers, but if you find one who does not faint when he sees it, you have a tough one.

If it were ugly all over it would be OK, but it's elegant all the way up to where it goes grotesque.

Of course,it may be considered lovely where you are, in the same way some African women have evolved huge bottoms, so best of luck with it anyway.

 

AF aint subtle,but he has a point ! May I ask how you were able to attribute it ? I seem to remember that Spanish furniture had exaggerated elements ? It is truly lovely ,from the neck down.

 

AF, you are too funny! I can't help but laugh at your explanation of the highboy. Frankly, I feel somewhat similar about the piece. I have had to look at it in 3 sections in order to see it's beauty. Personally the most grotesque part are the legs. I don't find any beauty in them. In fact, when I look at them I fear they are going to start running at me and attack. The 2nd part is the middle; which I find stunning! The 3rd part is the top, which I find the craftsmanship to be amazing with it's detail. But I stare at it and wonder how on earth anyone ever thought the top part blended with the middle. But then again, I am often told I have a very different sense of style.

The part I have loved the most about it is how much STUFF I can hide in there and my house still looks neat and tidy.

Thanks for the good laugh ;-)

 

Johnny, this is from my family who has roots in Pennsylvania. I have had it in my possession for about 15+ years, when my mother didn't have room for it and I was the only one in the family who would take it. I am out of space and trying to make room for some other pieces she wants to get rid of. So I will get rid of the highboy to make room for a few more old pieces that I have better use for. I must add, my husband has ZERO interest in antiques. He would buy new items over taking in antiques any day. :-( So when I tell him I plan to get rid of a piece, he is very happy. Hahaha ;-) It's much easier for me to get rid of 1 and bring in 2 or 3 when it comes to convincing the husband. Hahaha!

 

That top bit is out of proportion. It's either really ugly up top or odd enough to be cool. I rather like it so vote for the latter. It looks like a master carver did the base and left the top for his 10 year-old apprentice to finish up.(LOL)

 

Where's Brad ?

 

I have no expertise here, but am wondering if the finial and round shapes are replacement pieces? They do seem very out of character with the rest of the piece.

Or maybe there were more finished looking parts that covered the round shapes? They look like they have at least a shallow hole in the center.

 

Well I found a picture of it in one of my family photos. Not sure when this photo was taken. I can probably get a better idea after comparing more photos and speaking with family. But here it has the same top. More research I will do

 

Perhaps its proportions seem off because a country cabinet maker was copying a picture ?

 

The round pieces have kind of a Pennsylvania Dutch look, so perhaps that was an influence?