538

Scottish Mahogany and Deal Miniature Chest of Drawers

second quarter 19th century, with turned side columns and feet, a "secret" top drawer with no pulls and two-over-three drawers below, all with turned wooden knobs, retaining a rich, historical surface.
h. 12-1/2", w. 11-1/2", d. 8-1/2"

  • Provenance: The secret drawer of this contains two cards: a calling card for Miss Hannah Jones and a memorial card for the Rev. George Browne MacDonald "who died at Bewdley, November 13th, 1868. / Aged 63 Years".
    The Rev. MacDonald, a Wesleyan Methodist minister, married (as his second wife) Hannah Jones (1809-1875) on May 2, 1833 in Manchester, Lancashire. They were the parents of the famous MacDonald Sisters, members of the stylish Birmingham Set and wives of noted men: Alice (1837-1910), who married John Lockwood Kipling and became mother of Rudyard; Georgiana (1840-1920) who married the Pre-Raphaelite painter Edward Burne-Jones; Agnes (1843-1906), who married artist Edward Poynter, later President of the Royal Academy; and Louisa (1945-1925), who married industrialist Alfred Baldwin and became mother of Stanley Baldwin, Prime Minister during the abdication crisis of Edward VIII.
    Also included is an envelope of hair with penciled note "Betty MacDonald's hair, 1917". This is very likely that of Elizabeth Anne Wright (1857-1943), the second wife of the Rev. Frederick William MacDonald (1842-1928), brother of the MacDonald Sisters and, like his father, a Wesleyan minister. The Rev. MacDonald and Miss Wright married on July 25, 1916 at the Streatham Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Lambeth, London.
  • Condition: **In as-found condition. There are two old veneer patches to the back edge of the top. An old, glued repair where the left column attaches to the case. Dryness to the finish from age.

    New Orleans Auction Galleries is pleased to issue an opinion of any lot; the absence of a condition report does not indicate that a lot is in perfect condition or free from damage and/or wear.  Please understand that New Orleans Auction Galleries employs no professional conservators. All statements in any condition report, or statements taken verbally, are purely our best opinions, and not blanket statements of fact issued by this auction house.  Prospective buyers should examine each lot so as to satisfy themselves concerning condition, genuineness, importance, age, etc. Regardless of any statements made in writing or verbally, all lots are sold strictly "As Is" in accordance with section 2 of our Conditions of Sale.  No returns will be accepted on the basis of condition.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 $14,999 $500
$15,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $2,500
$100,000 $149,999 $5,000
$150,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 $999,999 $25,000
$1,000,000 + $50,000