High-Country
Queen Anne
Tiger Maple
Corner Shelf 

Northeast, 18th to early 19th century.

A seldom-found form, robustly and skillfully crafted from richly figured tiger maple, likely made in the workshop of a good country cabinet maker.

The crest is boldly hand-carved with spurred double-cyma profiles rising from each side, creating a lively Queen Anne silhouette. The front presents a warm amber tone and retains an old, very thin, partially worn, varnish surface. The hand-planed back shows traces of white paint. Joinery is with T-head nails. Two original holes in the upper boards indicate former wall attachment; it also stands securely on a flat surface. In outstanding structural condition.

About 16 1/2 inches tall x 7 3/4 deep x 11 wide across the front. For a closely related example of virtually identical crest shaping, see The Pine Furniture of Early New England by Kettell, fig. 208. An ideal display for a prized early ceramic, glass, woodenware, or small lighting object.