Four-drawer block-front design as executed by John Townsend. Crisply detailed Townsend shells with later basket palmette center and delicate Federal-era brasses. 

A three-drawer block-front design in the relaxed style of Edmund Townsend.  Three shells with palmette centers and bold Chippendale-era brasses.

A monumental design by John Townsend: fluted quarter columns, ogee feet, closed pediment with bookmatched panels, three finials on fluted plinths, and bold Newport brasses.

From the collection of the Newport Historical Society

mahogany, 89"h, 44"w, 24"d

ref. Greene p. 69

Four-shell kneehole bureau after an original by Edmund Townsend, Newport's most prolific maker of kneeholes. The shells are in Edmund Townsend's signature style.  The kneehole door opens to reveal two shelves. Every drawer has a lock.

mahogany, 33"h, 36½"w, 20½"d,
ref. Moses p. 285

A case of five full-width drawers atop a Newport slipper-foot frame with scrolled aprons and central drop. Illustrated as originally made in tiger maple, but equally handsome in mahogany.

mahogany or maple (shown) 65"h, 39"w, 21"d

ref. Venable p. 16

Four-shell kneehole bureau in the manner of John Townsend. The three-shell panel is a full-width drawer front. The four shells have detailed rosettes in John Townsend's precise style. 

mahogany, 34"h, 36"w, 20½"d, ref. Moses plate 20

The serpentine front reveals the stunning grain of mahogany. Features blocked ends, bold brasses and powerful ball and claw feet.

mahogany, 32½"h, 37"w, 21½"d ref. Sack p. 103

A smoothly shaped bombé form with serpentine front and strong Boston ball and claw feet.  The grain revealed by the carved shape adds to fluid form.

mahogany, 32"h, 38"w, 20"d
ref. Greene p. 258

An example of a Newport chest of drawers in a simple, flat-fronted design with ogee feet.  From an original by Christopher and/or John Townsend in tiger maple.  Equally correct in mahogany or walnut.

maple, 41½"h, 37½"w, 20"d

ref. Greene p. 229

A slightly taller version of the Townsend five-drawer chest with the addition of one extra drawer. Available in tiger maple, mahogany, or walnut, but shown here in flame cherry.

cherry, 48"h, 37½"w, 20"d

An important example of a Connecticut River Valley chest-on-frame design with a robust scalloped top, bold brasses, and elegant slipper feet.

cherry, 35½"h, 36"w, 24"d