Attributed to William Seay, circa 1792-96, Bertie County, one piece form, yellow pine secondary, broken arched pediment with applied cove molding terminating with rosettes with inlaid gesso five point stars, double line concave molding to edge of terminus, tympanum featuring a central raised ebonized field featuring an incised spread winged eagle with Masonic emblems including: compass and square, level and scales of justice; surmounted by a six line rainbow and fifteen star design above the eagle's head - all with inlaid gesso, flanked by two raised and ebonized chalice form ornaments featuring an incised gesso inlaid face, the tympanum surmounted by a central pierced flame finial, the upper case with two large hinged cabinet doors with sixteen window panes, the upper lights with crenelated top rails and the bottom with blind panels, opening to reveal four deeply scalloped shelves with plate rail molding, applied waist molding with ebonized highlights and central pull-out walnut slide, the lower case with two hinged blind paneled cabinet doors featuring highly figured burl panels and single shelved interior, both upper and lower case mullions and moldings featuring ebonized highlights, canted corners, raised on original shaped ogee bracket feet.

111.25 x 55 x 36 in.; Returns 6 in. wide

By direct Powell family descent (Lewiston, NC) until acquired by the current consignor in 2017. This is the first time this corner cupboard has ever been offered to the public.
On loan 2017 - current: Hope Plantation, Windsor, North Carolina.

MESDA Craftsman ID #34709, Photo #S-2097. Examined by MESDA on March 27, 1971 and after restoration on October 6, 2019.

Reference:
The Furniture of Coastal North Carolina 1700-1820, John Bivins, Jr., 1988, pg. 312, fig. 6.75 and 6.75a.
WH Cabinetmaker, A Southern Mystery Solved, Thomas R. J. Newbern and James R. Melchor, 2009. pg. 219 - 221, Fig. 341 - 343.


Masterfully conserved by Andrew Ownbey in 2019. Full conservation report: Conservation Report
Overall excellent condition including rose-head nail construction, original hinges and ogee feet.
Restored flame finial; the upper part of the tympanum at each scrolled pediment has been raised to its original height - 1.5" visible, 4" total (2.5" hidden to support the molding); the applied cornice moldings have been extended 3" at their bottom far left and right side by the return to their original length; upper case interior with later paint based on traces from the original paint.
Partial remains of original finial now properly secured to the inside of the lower cupboard.


$80,000 - 120,000