Created by
Day, Thomas, American, 1801 - 1861
Date
1850s
Medium
pine, mahogany, poplar, metal, hide glue
Dimensions
H x W x D (drawers and mirror): 89 7/16 × 42 5/16 × 21 7/16 in. (227.2 × 107.5 × 54.5 cm)
Description
A bureau made by Thomas Day. The bureau has a lower case, an upper case (2017.25a), mirror supports, and a mirror (2017.25b). The upper case has two drawers with metal key holes and wood drawer pulls. The lower case has four drawers. Each drawer has a metal key hole at center. The bottom three drawers have wood drawer pulls. The top drawer of the lower case projects out over the three bottom drawers and is faced with reverse ogee molding. The bureau is of mortice and tenon construction. There are multiple scribe marks throughout the interior of the bureau showing that the mortices and tenons were likely cut by hand. Most of the lower case is constructed of southern yellow pine. The floating side panels are re-sawn mahogany boards that retain the sash saw marks. The front stiles and wide floating panel of the rear are tulip poplar. The front feet are made of a lamination of two mahogany boards. The drawer rails are yellow pine. The bottom board of the lower case is tulip poplar and is secured with nails. The tenons on the rear of the bureau are secured with hide glue and nails. The carved front feet are attached with metal screws.
Place made
Milton, Caswell County, North Carolina, United States, North and Central America
Place used
Milton, Caswell County, North Carolina, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Type
bureaus
Topic
American South
Black interiors
Building Arts
Business
Craftsmanship
Design
Domestic life
Free communities of color
Furniture design
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2017.25ab
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ac8267d6-c321-43bf-b4d1-20f8db6fbf43

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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