AN Oak Diamond-and-Arch Chest. Owner: Mr. H. W. Erving. Date:
1760-80. Size: Length, 4V,/4 inches; hight, 33,'  inches; front to back,
193,4 inches.
An elaborate chest, with legs of unusual length. The ends have three
panels, all plain. The turned incised ornaments at the sides of the arch
are simple but effective. The number of features on this chest leave little
out from the possibilities. The interesting enumeration includes: drops,
bosses, nail-heads, shadow mold, diamonds, rosettes, blocked corners,
turned ornaments, an arch, keystone and other arch-structure blocks, and
moldings around panels and drawer.
The question of correct taste in chest ornament is not the only question
as regards desirability. Quaintness, rarity, odd features, even the over-
doing of some features, are all elements entering into the matter. The
historical record is often completed, or a mooted point of structure or decor-
ation is cleared up by an unusual chest.

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