Eastern Shore Virginia- Chesapeake

[jacon4]

Just won this at auction, this form has been on my bucket list a LONG TIME! Never thought I would get a chance at a period "real" one but lightning struck and I prevailed.
Long story short, in the late 17th century here Joiners, who had been the dominant furniture makers since the middle ages lost that part of their biz to a new category of woodworkers, cabinetmakers.
There was an exception to this change, Eastern Shore Virginia, joiners there who were isolated by geography continued building furniture all during the 18th century, oblivious to the change that had occurred on the mainland.
It was there during the 18th century these joiners stumbled into creating a genuine American masterpiece, a form of architectural corner cupboard that has no equal in Colonial America.

[mart]

Whoa !  Nice Jacon4,, Has it  been refinished at some time ?  Very different finish from most in that age bracket !  Could be an oil finish or lacquer !  What is that wood ?  Has some oak characteristics but is different, some parts look like old growth yellow pine !   Still,, I like it !

[jacon4]

It is old-growth hard yellow pine. These cupboards were ALWAYS paint-decorated but, there are NO KNOWN cupboards with their original paint, all have been stripped at some point along the way. Many cupboards in museums have had their paint restored thru paint analysis, this one below is at MESDA.

[jacon4]

My cupboard was not stripped recently, I'd guess late 19th-early 20th, the finish on it is old, I have not tested it but probably shellac or a wiping varnish.
It is small, only 72.5 inches tall
It is ALL there except for the exterior paint, the interior blue is not original but you can see the original interior paint in worn spots, a cream color.
The 15 lights/panes of glass, all but 2 are the original 18th-century glass which is very visible in person.
The iron hinges, I am not sure yet if original but they were always hand-forged iron.
It's an outstanding example in very good condition with an imposing presence, C. 1740-1760 so an early example.

Here is a blanket chest from the same area with it's original paint at MESDA

[jacon4]

A glance at the map shows why these Joiners were able to cheat "Father Time" and continue with furniture making long after their time had passed on the mainland.

[mart]

Actually I like yours better than the painted ones !  I just love natural woods !  Hate to ask but what did that one cost ?  I am  guessing somewhere between $7K and $10K ?  Am I close ?

[jacon4]

$5100. & change, shipping was $700 so I have almost 6k in it.

[mart]

Well have to say that $7K was close in a down market !  I would have expected more than that given the history !

[jacon4]

Well, these cupboards are rare and usually go for big money, 10s of thousands but, I was fortunate. Sale location was New England and they had no idea what it was, they thought it was English, sale estimate was  $300-$600. I didn't steal it but considering what it is, a very good buy. The furniture gods smiled at me that day, I was 1 bid away from losing so, I was fortunate.

[mart]

Congrats Jacon,,  You did well !!

[jacon4]

Thanks! It's right up there with the bird chest as far as an outstanding example of early American furniture, I am happy to have it.

[mart]

Well,, if no one wants it just leave it to me in your will !   Ha !!

[jacon4]

Well,, if no one wants it just leave it to me in your will !

LOL OK! but I doubt you will end up with it.
 I leave stuff, notes, books, or sometimes a very brief history of my valuable pieces on the piece itself which is easily found. That way if I died today, the kids would not make a BAD and costly mistake and sell the piece for 10 cents.
In the case of this cupboard, in the bottom part, I left this book to help them understand this piece is special. Hopefully, they take the HINT!

[mart]

Well,, if they don`t like it,, I have a good home for it !
Hopefully your family realizes what they have !  But just in case ,,,,!!

[talesofthesevenseas]

Congratulations J4!! What a beautiful piece!