Hi everyone. I’m having trouble with my memory and figured there might be someone here as old as me that still has one. I’m 51. When I was a boy I used to visit my great grandmothers’ farm in ctrl IL. She had one or two dressers I call them, though I have found that when searching for dressers I usually get a kitchen cabinet, so perhaps a chest of drawers is better. It was about four feet tall and fully drawered. On top there were two smaller drawers may-be six inches wide with open space in between. I believe they sat back from the rest of the cab. front and had a similar profile on their top as the main chest top on which they sat. There may have been a board running the width of the cab. between them.
I always loved the design and I want to build something similar. Problem is it’s been more than thirty yrs. and I can’t remember much more. Tried searching through antique sites and etc. but haven’t been able to find anything like it. Other than design from no doubt distorted memories I have come to where I probably should have started. Here. Has any one seen a chest of drawers like this. Do you know where I might get a picture of one or a web site where I could view one?
My gr grandparents weren’t wealthy. His family came from Wales. But I don’t think the piece came over with them. Probably a production item from the early 1900s.
Thanks for reading.
Replies
I believe it's what's sometimes called a commode, or a wash basin stand. You know big pitcher and bowl.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S. Counter Sales, Tech Rep. http://WWW.EAGLEAMERICA.COM
These were common in the Empire and Victorian era. I think this is the style you are talking about.
http://www.prices4antiques.com/itemsummary/185852.htm
Thanks That is very much the style. Though a lot less ornate and four or more feet tall.
Jcrum,
The attached link provides some options. http://www.arcadiami.com/Exhibits/Factory/catalogsall.htm
Michigan was a big producer of furniture when that style was popular. Most dressers had mirrors on top
Thanks BG I'll check that out. Interesting since I live in Michigan.
I knew you folks would have some answers.
Tahnks to all.
I have such a chest, mine in walnut. It belonged to my great grandmother, who was one of the first white children born in Lenawee county. As you see, I'm also in Michigan (Fowlerville). I estimate mine to be about 160 or 170 years old. My mother, born in '98, remembered being set between the little drawers on top to keep her out of trouble.
Tom
Wish I had the one from my great grandmothers. I guess I will be designing and building one part from memory part from the fancy one that hammer1 directed me to and part fromwhatever creative imagination I can come up with. Should be interesting since I'll be using an antique piece as a basis and most of my designs come out fairly modern looking. It would be a bit of a long drive or I might ask you if I could come and see it. I live in Niles. About ten minutes from south bend IN. Notre Dame country,though I root for UofM.
Thanks to you and all who replied.
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