Images(3)

Chest on frame

Date1790-1830

OriginBermuda

MediumCedar, pine, iron, and brass

DimensionsOverall: 30 3/8 × 49 × 20 1/2in. (77.2 × 124.5 × 52.1cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Edna G. Tucker and Ms. Wendy S. Tucker in memory of Edward Bolton (Teddy) Tucker, M.B.E.

Object number2024-22

DescriptionRectangular blanket chest with hinged lid; molded front and side edges of lid with molding nailed along underside of sides and front; chest dovetailed at corners with front decorative dovetails; molded mid-molding around base of chest; frame consists of straight, square legs, one long drawer and a scalloped skirt; drawer has two bail and rosette brass pulls and an inset brass escutcheon and missing lock; lid of chest attached with original iron snape hinges; opens to reveal a cedar till along the proper left end with an angled side, and a pine till along the proper right side with vertical side, no evidence of former lids evident for tills.Label TextThis chest descended in the Smith and Tucker families of Bermuda. Displaying the decorative dovetails characteristic of Bermuda work of the 18th and early 19th centuries, this chest represents one of the later examples of the form with its straight, square legs. The form of a chest on frame was popular in 18th century Ireland, but not as popular in England. Yet the form was quite popular in Bermuda. Colonial Williamsburg has two Virginia examples (2010-2 & 2018-200), the latter example illustrating the Irish influence in the Rappahannock River Valley of Virginia. The form also made its way into the Southern backcountry, as illustrated by the Tennessee chest 2019-71.ProvenanceInherited by Sue Bolton Tucker from Ada, Mrs. Richard Jennings Tucker — originally from Aunt Elia and Uncle Samuel Smith, "La Gaza," Paget, Bermuda. Great Aunt Eliza Smith is said to trace her lineage back to a Tucker of the "Bridge House" — built in 1740, Somerset, Bermuda. Inherited by Edward Bolton (Teddy) Tucker, MBE from mother, Sue Taliaferro Bolton Tucker, "Malabar Gates," Pembroke, Bermuda.