Where was this cupboard made

[frogpatch]

I finally got into my Florida storage and shipped everything north to NJ. This came from NJ originally when I bought in 30 years ago. Before telling me that the top and bottom are a marriage, please hear me out. I am not new at this. On a FB site someone said it was a bookcase on top of a buffet and the mod cut off the posting before I could add to it.
The finish is original and it matches exactly, top and bottom. The hardware is identical on the doors as is the corner joining on each piece. ie radius. The top is unfinished with a gutter molding. There is at least one plate rail on the shelves. The top section is only 50 inches so if it stood on the floor you would be looking at an unfinished well. The piece is made of pine with a reddish stain. The picture does not show the finish color matching well due to the lighting . The sides are made from one solid board. Their are large hand-cut dovetails and hand planed drawer bottoms. I have never seen a step back that stand on four toes like this. That is why people say it is a marriage. I feel it is from Pennsylvania but I am not sure. That is would like help with.

[ghopper1924]

Hey, it's Frogpatch!  Good to see you!!

Cool piece! It's clear you've done your research on this. As I was reading through your post I kept thinking "Germany," because here in the "Missouri Rhineland" it was quite typical for the 19th century German immigrants to put "feet" on cabinetry such as this, although usually the feet are much flatter. When you mentioned Pennsylvania the German connection clicked again.

I have not seen anything like this before, but have no reason to disbelieve you. It's a nice cupboard with some individual folk flair. I'd guess it to be about 1890-1910 and made by a craftsman of German descent, perhaps in a small town or in the countryside. Just my .02.

[KC]

You have a "stepback cupboard"!!!!!! They were made this way - not a married piece!

I have seen ones from the late 1700's to 1800's but they were popular in America in 16thC to 19thC.  I can't determine age from the photo but do believe it is 1800's.  My first impression is Pennsylvania...

NICE PIECE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mart]

Well,, its about time you got back here Frogpatch !!  Now you know I need to see those dovetails on the drawers !!  A better pic of the inside top and the hardware would help too !!

[cogar]

I think it is a “married” piece, but check to see if the backside of both pieces are made the same, with vertical slats?

 The top of “two piece” step-backs are usually affixed (screwed) to the base to prevent if from being pushed/pulled off onto the floor.

And secondly, all step-backs tops with “risers” (legs) on their bottom, ….. have “risers” that are plenty high enough to get one’s hand back underneath into the cavity.

A lot of wasted shelf space with those 3” high legs.

[frogpatch]

Thanks Ghopper and KC. I have a jelly cupboard from Gettysburg that has the rounded edges and top corners like this. That is why I thought PA plus it is only one state away and much has been hauled back to NJ.
Hi Mart I have one more picture here. The drawer pulls are typical late 1800s. I have a few little things to post so I will be hanging around more. It looks like the snarky members have left.

[frogpatch]

Cogar. The odds of two pieces made identically finding each other would be a million to one. The top is wainscoting and the bottom is typical slats. Every detail right down to the hinges, hinge attachment and finish as well as the joining of the corners is identical. The locks are identical plus the top is unfinished and about six inches deep. A floor piece would have a flat top to look good and to put things on and would not have plate rails. Therefore I have to disagree. I have seen several of these that did not screw on. This one from Ohio has a lower pie shelf and a wainscot back. They are very similar. Thank you for your reply but I must concur with Ghopper. http://www.landmarkacres.com/Butternut%20Cupboard.JPG

[frogpatch]

I neglected to mention that the top of the lower piece overhangs the back by a couple inches apparently to clear a chair rail.

[Rauville]

In my opinion, the two pieces were certainly made by the same hand. Most likely by someone that was more skilled working with wood than with design details. I'd date it to around 1900. I've had a few old cupboards that I've questioned the quirky details, but at the time they were constructed I'm sure they made perfect sense to the maker. Regardless, it's a handsome example of country furniture that will still serve the purpose for which it was made.

[cogar]

A floor piece would have a flat top to look good and to put things on and would not have plate rails. Therefore I have to disagree.

I understand what you are saying, Frogpatch, ….. but I am having trouble trying to explain the “wear’ pattern (1st photo) along the bottom “front edge” …… and the bottom of the right front foot of the top section.

[frogpatch]

Cogar. That is not wear per se. It is damage that occurred by moving it from Florida and onto my porch and into my home. The same with the front top edge of the bottom. It got banged up a lot. We did not have professional movers just two guys who only wrapped the middle and we rented the first ten feet of an Estes Freight truck. At this end we had two more musclemen. There were two hundred boxes along with it which we are still going through. I am glad that wavy glass is intact. It was the cheapest way. I do see what you mean. A little Old English should blend that in.

[frogpatch]

Rauville, It has served its purpose for us since we bought it in the 90s. It has been moved three times and has held its share of baked good to cool. Thank for your reply.

[mart]

Well  if I am seeing correctly,, 4 dovetails would date it to around 1890 to 1910 approximately !!  Is it a pine cupboard ??  If so,, good that is what I would expect !!  I have no problem with PA for a country cupboard such as this !!  Wish I had it !!