Wow, this is a long post!
We very much appreciate the replies. We are not looking for definitive answers or values of this piece. We have no intent to sell. We saw the dresser at a small shop in Wysox, PA and thought it would be a nice fit for one of our spare bedrooms. Knowing more about the origin and value sure would be nice, but not necessary for us to enjoy having it.
Ok, I’ll to try to provide specifics now:
I looked inside the drawers but, to my eye, there was nothing to see because there are dust covers built in between all the drawers. Photo below:
I also looked at the back for nails etc, but could only see some standard slotted screws. Of course I don’t know if the screws were original or replacements. Screws were also used on the mirror. Photos below:
Yes, those are dovetail joints on the drawers and I have seen similar narrow joints previously on a blanket chest that has been in my family for over 200 years.
Below is a photo of the joints used at the back end of the drawers. Note; there is no distinguishable difference in construction methods used anywhere on the piece.
Next is a photo of the hardware for the top drawer pulls.
Next is a photo showing the similar finish on top and lower drawers and also closer shots of the detail work – showing that the mirror and dresser engraving do match..
The next two photos show that the wood used on the dresser top, sides and also the mirror frame is laminate in about 3/16 thickness. The mirror has a core wood about 3/8 thick.
The last photos just show there is some serious checking of the broader panels of wood.
I’m showing this to ask; “should I inject glue and then clamp these panels………..?”