Queen Anne bonnet top highboy, attributed to Newport, Rhode Island or Boston, Massachusetts, 18th century, mahogany with white pine secondary, constructed in two parts with an emphasis on vertical proportions. Bonnet top with flame-carved finials set on fluted plinths, above a top tier of drawers with one large center drawer flanked by two smaller drawers above four full graduated drawers. Base with top molding and one long drawer above central small drawer flanked by two large drawers, a deeply valanced skirt, and cabriole legs ending in slipper feet. All drawers are dovetailed with original willow and bail handle brass pulls. Base top drawer with 20th century paper label from John Walton Inc. with inscription, "Highboy – mahogany – attributed to Goddard Townsend – Newport, circa 1750-60, original brass and finials" ; back with paper label reading "J.C. Hagadorn" (possibly a former owner), and drawer bottom with chalk inscription for previous owners John and Tina McWhorter. Top measures: 53 1/2" H x 40" W x 21" D. Base measures: 38 1/4" H x 40 1/2" W x 21 1/4" D. 91 3/4" total H. Circa 1755. History: Purchased by John and Tina McWhorter in 1989 from Peter H. Eaton Antiques of Newburyport, MA, with attribution to the Goddard-Townsend School piece; the price was $75,000 and the piece was published in Eaton's ad in The Magazine Antiques, October, 1989. Peter Eaton acquired the piece from Connecticut collectors, who purchased it from John Walton in the early 1970s. Photocopies of the ad and Eaton receipt are available to the winning bidder. Note: According to a previous appraisal of this piece, John McWhorter sent photos in 1997 to Michael Moses, the author of "Master Craftsmen of Newport: the Townsends and Goddards," who described it as "a merger of Massachusetts and Rhode Island styles."

PROVENANCE: The Tina McWhorter Trust; from the collection of John and Tina McWhorter, Memphis, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Older refinishing, with minor wear and repairs. Small patch on the left side of the upper case and on the top center drawer, lower left corner. Glue blocks and knee returns with restoration (refer to Eaton documents). Lower section missing the drop finial on the skirt, the interior drawers with losses and wear.