Dresser Appraisal

Painted Dresser with Mirror and Finials

This is a vintage or antique dresser, likely from the early to mid-20th century, which has been repainted in an off-white or cream color. The dresser features a curvilinear or bombe-style front, particularly visible in the lower drawers, suggesting a traditional or French Provincial influence. It has a total of four drawers: two smaller drawers across the top, and two larger, deeper drawers below, all appearing to have dovetail or similar quality joinery, though this cannot be definitively confirmed from the image. The drawers are adorned with black, ornate, metal pull handles, possibly original to the piece or vintage replacements. A distinctive feature is the custom hand-painted lettering on the front, which reads "One clever and a boy" on the second drawer and "and Becky" on the bottom drawer, surrounded by decorative swirls and small floral motifs, hinting at a personalized alteration. The top of the dresser supports a separate, small rectangular mirror framed in the matching off-white, flanked by two tall, decorative wooden finials, one on each side, adding a degree of formality to the piece. The finials have carved bases and detailed tops, resembling miniature columns with an urn-like element. The dresser stands on what appear to be short, carved bun or cabriole feet, consistent with its likely style period. The paint finish shows some signs of wear, particularly along edges and corners, indicating use and handling, and revealing a subtle patina that suggests its age despite the repaint. There are no readily visible cracks or major damages to the wood structure, but the painted surface exhibits minor scuffs and marks. The overall craftsmanship appears solid, typical of furniture from the era, with attention to decorative details like the curved front and carved elements. While the original manufacturer is not visible, the user-provided context suggests a possible connection to 'Weddicomb furniture from Grand Rapids Michigan' which would indicate a high-quality American furniture maker known for traditional designs; however, this dresser's original state, prior to painting and personalization, would need further examination to confirm any specific manufacturer. The personalization makes it a unique, one-of-a-kind item.