Antique Painted and Distressed Gold Serpentine Commode of French Design

Description

A beautifully distressed American-made, French-influenced antique commode by Chittenden & Eastman Company of Burlington, Iowa, from the late 19th century. … more A beautifully distressed American-made, French-influenced antique commode by Chittenden & Eastman Company of Burlington, Iowa, from the late 19th century. This low dresser with a serpentine front has been reimagined with metallic gold paint applied and distressed, also revealing the natural wood underneath. I appreciate the bold application and the juxtaposition of materials, creating a theatrical piece of art with humble and rustic cornfield roots and a rock' n' roll soul. Five drawers with dovetail joints open and close smoothly. The feet have receptacles for casters, but the original casters are no longer with the furniture. The vintage drawer pulls are well-matched to the style of the commode but are not original.

The tag on the back reads 'From Chittenden & Eastman Company Furniture Burlington Iowa, and below that A B Turner Bradshaw Nebr. This tag identifies the provenance and original owner of the commode, Mr. Austin B Turner, who was born in Bradshaw, Nebraska in 1876. According to his obituary, Mr. Turner was a successful farmer turned president of the Mason State Bank and a prominent businessman in the town. less