Federal Dresser Appraisal

Antique Empire/Federal Style Wooden Dresser with Crystal Knobs

This is an antique wooden dresser, likely a chest of drawers or commode, characterized by its deep reddish-brown finish. The dresser features a unique top drawer configuration, with the upper-most drawer having a distinct arch-shaped front panel and a central heart-like or stylized keyhole escutcheon. Below this, there are four additional drawers, each of varying sizes, with the uppermost of these appearing to be a single, large deep drawer, and the three below it being of more standard depth. The dresser is adorned with a total of ten crystal or glass facet-cut knobs, with two on the top arched drawer and two on each subsequent drawer below. Some of these knobs show signs of wear or possible chips. The construction appears to be heavy, typical of antique furniture. The sides of the dresser have a gently curved or 'sleigh' style, providing a distinctive silhouette. The wood exhibits significant wear, including scratches, scuffs, and areas where the finish has chipped or rubbed off, particularly around the edges, corners, and drawer fronts. There are visible 'antique keyhole' placements on several drawers, suggesting functionality or merely decorative elements where keys would once have locked the drawers. This piece likely dates to the 19th century, possibly Empire or late Federal style, given its robust form and the details of the top drawer and side panels. The craftsmanship, though showing wear, indicates solid construction and period-appropriate techniques, pointing to a quality piece of its era.