Bidspirit auction | DECORATED CHEST OF DRAWERS WITH

DECORATED CHEST OF DRAWERS WITH A SURPRISE - Probably Summit County, Ohio, 1860-1880, poplar. Victorian cottage-style chest, with hinged compartments over drawers, and a secret sliding compartment in the back. Retains its original fruit decoration and red fancy striping on a yellow ground, and on the back are two folksy paintings (house and lake scene). 41.5” high, 29.5” wide, 21” deep. This chest was purchased at the estate sale of descendants of John White Fessender (1821-1899), an artist and musician in Twinsburg. He was born in New Hampshire and came west to Ohio in the 1840s, settling first in Hudson, then inTwinsburg. He is variously listed in the census as a painter, music teacher, and artist. Fessenden served in Company G of the 49th Illinois Infantry in the western theater. Whether Fessenden purchased the ”cottage” decorated chest or painted it, we cannot know, but he was almost certainly the artist for the folksy paintings on the back. Provenance: an Ohio collection. NOTE: We are happy to answer questions and take additional photos of lots prior to the auction (the sooner submitted the better). Any updates or new photographs will be posted to the catalog on our website. Please check there prior to placing bids to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information. SHIPPING: We offer in-house shipping on all lots in this auction. Please see the terms for more information and contact us for a packing/shipping estimate. Condition: Original paint and pulls, grungy surface, missing ”wishbone” mirror.