Old Apothecary Drawers Appraisal

Vintage Multi-Drawer Apothecary Chest or Spice Cabinet

This is a rustic, vertical multi-drawer apothecary-style chest or spice cabinet, featuring fourteen individual drawers arranged in a seven-tier, two-column configuration. The piece is constructed from wood and finished in an aged, dark verdigris or 'colonial green' paint. Each drawer face is embellished with a carved or stamped rectangular frame design with notched corners, centered by a small, matching wooden turned knob. The overall structure follows a traditional primitive aesthetic, standing on a slightly flared base molding with small bun feet. The top features a simple overhang with a chamfered edge. In terms of condition, the piece exhibits significant age-related wear that contributes to its historical character. There is visible paint loss and abrasion along the drawer edges and the main frame, revealing the natural wood tone beneath, particularly on the left side of the middle drawers. The painted surface shows a heavy patina with fine crackling and possible surface dust or oxidation. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures, suggesting a handmade or small-shop production typically associated with late 19th-century to early 20th-century folk art or primitive furniture. Its vertical orientation and high drawer count suggest it was originally intended for storing small items such as medicinal herbs, spices, or sewing notions. The craftsmanship is functional and robust, characterized by simple joinery typical of the period.