Fine Queen Anne Carved Cherry Bonnet-Top Highboy, Connecticut, circa 1760.
Of distinctive design, attributable to Isaac Tryon of Glastonbury, Connecticut, having carved rosettes, fan carved center drawers in both the upper and lower cases, original brasses, a beautifully executed apron with turned drops and whale's tails, all on cabriole legs with leaf carved knees ending in pad feet. All original except for two finials, one knee return, and a portion of one whale's tale. Secondary woods: pine and birch.
Provenance: General Van Ness, Revolutionary War figure; Catalina Van Ness, his daughter, who married Dr. Williams; Cornelia Van Ness Williams, their daughter, who married George Robinson; Warren Robinson, their son, whose widow sold the highboy upon his death; Mrs. B. Nee Tomkins; The Barbour Family, of Connecticut; Florine Maine, Ridgefield, Connecticut, who acquired it from the Barbour Family, early 1960s.
Literature: This highboy is pictured in The Magazine Antiques, August 1961, page 101 by Florine Maine and again in May 1985, page 966 by C. L. Prickett.