Federal Dresser Appraisal

Vintage Federal Style Mahogany Highboy Dresser

This is a vintage Federal style mahogany highboy dresser, distinguishable by its rich, reddish-brown hue and classic design elements. The piece appears to be constructed from solid wood, likely mahogany or a similar dark-grained hardwood, with a polished finish that shows some signs of age and wear. The dresser is composed of two main sections: a smaller upper chest and a larger lower chest. The upper section features a top row divided into three drawers, with two smaller drawers flanking a central, narrower drawer. This central drawer is adorned with a 'V'-shaped escutcheon, indicative of a lock. The drawers are fitted with brass or brass-plated oval pull handles with a decorative embossed design, exhibiting some tarnishing and patina consistent with age. Below this, there are two larger, full-width drawers. The lower section of the highboy is visibly wider and slightly bowed outward, creating an aesthetic curve, and contains four full-width drawers. All drawers on both sections feature similar oval brass pull handles. The top surface of the dresser is flat, with a visible slight overhang. The sides of both sections appear to have fluted or reeded pilasters, adding to its Federal style lineage. There are visible scuffs, scratches, and nicks on the wood surface, particularly on the edges and corners, indicating use over time. One pull handle on the second drawer from the top appears to be missing its bale, leaving only the escutcheon and one attachment point. There is also a missing keyhole cover on one of the upper drawers. The overall craftsmanship suggests a mass-produced, yet well-made, furniture item from the mid-20th century, possibly dating back to the 1940s or 1950s, given the style and visible aging.