Research
Of mahogany. The bow fronted rectangular top with protruding rounded corners above four drawers, each with two period but not original circular brass drawer pulls flanking lozenge shaped ebonized keyholes. The four corners fitted with protruding cylindrical alternating turned and reeded legs terminated in conforming reeded post feet.
The present commode, with its unusual reeded corner posts and feet, is an example of Federal furniture design in New England in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries and is made of mahogany, which became the favorite primary wood used in furniture after its introduction in the colonies. The commode shares distinct characteristics with pieces from centers like Portsmouth, NH and Boston, MA, making a strong case for its origin, specifically cylindrical reeded and ring-turned columnar legs emanating from a conforming “cookie corner” top.
Full research available on request.