Important Mid-19th Century Carved Carved Sea Chest With Fine Beckets
InformationFinely carved pine sea chest signed “Rufus Russell” in pencil under the lid, Maine 1840-1850, American. All four sides as well as the top, bottom and made from a single wide pine board. There is a molded bas that wraps the front and sides. The front of the chest is carved in three panels. At the center is a carved “American Shield” which is flanked on either side with facing detailed ships. The top is carved with an anchor and star within a circle. One side of the chest has carved stars and the opposite carved pin wheels. Each side of the chest has a bracket mounted to the chest the holds the beckets on each side. The beckets are finely woven each having three rope woven applied Turks heads in red , white and blue. Except for the back all of the chest’s surfaces have an old os blood colored stain.
Publication: “American Folk Sculpture” by Robert Bishop, Published by E.P. DUTTON & CO., INC., New York,1974, page 100. There are 2 illustrations of the chest and the fallowing printed caption. “Sea chest and detail. Maine 1840-1850. Pine Width 41 ½ inches. The name “Rufus Russell” appears in pencil on the underside of the lid of this chest, which is carved in bas-relief. Constuction details include butt hinges and large dovetails. There is a small till on the interior right-hand end of the piece. Like many chests intended for sea use, it is slightly splayed out at the bottom and fitted with rope beckets, or handles. Collection of Gary J. Stass.”
Dimensions: Height 16 1/2 Inches, Width 41 3/4 Inches, Depth 15 1/4 Inches
Condition: The chest shows normal ware and is in fine condition with a mellow age patina.
mid-19th Century
