American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts

Provenance:

Collection of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Fisher of Sandwich, Massachusetts, Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Hyannis, Massachusetts, November 25-26, 1977, lot 500.

Vincent "Vinny" McGrath possessed a discerning eye for American antiques and a deep affinity for Marblehead, Massachusetts. For more than sixty years, he furnished his 1724 home with Americana and Marblehead antiques, guided by a strong spirit of stewardship and respect for history. A dedicated history teacher, Vinny began his career at Marblehead High School in 1962 before moving to Salem State College, where he taught a wide range of history courses from 1965 until his retirement in 1996.

He was a fifty-year member of both the Okommakamesit Veteran Firemen’s Association and the Gerry 5 Organization. Vinny truly loved living in Marblehead and took great pride in being actively involved in the life of the town.

Note:

This lot is accompanied by the Richard A. Bourne auction catalogue.

with a nice dark patina to surface commensurate with age; overall the piece sits sturdy; the drawers with later runners to underside from years of wear; some of the drawers with some slight warping to facing and fit somewhat wonky, particularly to the 2nd from bottom drawer- the dustboard underneath this drawer is slightly loose, and the right-facing rail support to interior is missing, so drawer doesn't sit fully flat / straight; the bottom section appears to be mostly original, with evidence of true age, the apron with some occasional age cracks, slightly loose returns, and/or some missing pieces to molding; the front four bun feet show evidence of true age, with honest wear, occasional age cracks, and some old insect damage; the back two bun feet probably later, with some age cracks; center bottom short drawer with loose bottom boards, the center having a large gap where boards have separated over time; bottom-most long drawer to top section with repaired break to facing along lower right-facing corner; some backboards to upper section somewhat loose and may need to be secured; the left-facing side to top section with age gap to seam where two boards meet; brasses are period-appropriate, but have been replaced, with evidence of former pulls- the holes filled and plugged; middle long drawer missing its lock

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.