Highboy

1760-75

In two parts, the upper section with an open pediment of curved sides, an urn form finial at center. Three thumb molded short drawers over three molded and graduated long drawers. The lower section has a thumb molded frieze drawer above three short drawers. The central drawer fitted with two paper labels: "Highboy Mahogany inscribed by Benjamin Baker (d. 1822) Joiner and Furniture Salesmen of Newport, Rhode Island. Newport about 1770. Lent by Newport Restoration Foundation L.1971.57" Other label reads "David Stockwell 256 S.16th Street Philadelphia S. Pa." The skirt fitted, carved with a large concave shell continuing to four removable cabriole legs. The front legs carved with stylized leafage and scrolls and continuing to claw and ball feet carved and pierced in relief. The rear legs ending in pad feet with orginal brasses. "Benjamin Baker" written in script upside down on back.

This piece is inscribed on the backboard of the lower case by Benjamin Baker, a less well known Newport cabinetmaker not related to the Townsend and Goddard families, although he may have apprenticed in the shop of John Goddard. The surviving account books of Benjamin Baker at the Newport Historical Society indicate, as noted by Dennis Carr of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, suggest that this signed Baker chest is possibly the same as one made for Ebenezer Rumrill of Newport in July 1760 (see Art and Industry in Early America Rhode Island Furniture, 1650-1830, Yale University Press, 2016, pp. 302).

Active as a very prolific chair maker in Newport from 1760, Baker is also known to have made clock cases, tables and case furniture. 

American - Newport, Rhode Island

Mahogany (primary); Spanish cedar, pine, yellow poplar, pine (secondary); brass

Overall: 87 3/4 x 40 1/4 x 22 1/4 in. (222.9 x 102.2 x 56.5 cm)

By descent in the Lyman-Hazard family, Peace Dale, Rhode Island. David Stockwell, Inc., Philadelphia, ca. 1950. Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, May 22, 1971, lot 199; sold to Doris Duke (1912-1993) for Newport Restoration Foundation, Newport, RI, 1971; Whitehorne House Museum, Newport Restoration Foundation, from 1974

2001.2