Rare Documented Early Virginia Paint Decorated Apothecary Cabinet, Original Surface

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Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsvi...

By Brunk Auctions

Jun 23, 2026

Set Reminder 2026-06-23 10:00:00 2026-06-23 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsville, Alabama | June 23, 2026 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/brunk/collection-of-elbert-h-parsons-jr-huntsville-alabama-june-23-2026-22678
Original surface and vibrant color define Bert Parsons’ well-documented collection, assembled over decades. Highlights include a Stirewalt miniature painted blanket chest, an 1823 dated Prussian blue blanket chest made in Albemarle, Stanly County, NC, with family history, an early Virginia documented painted apothecary cabinet, and a New England Fancy red-painted Windsor bench, as well as metalwork, pottery, Staffordshire, paintings, and six objects from the landmark 2004 “American Fancy” exhibition. Brunk Auctions support@brunkauctions.com

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• Lot Description

  Southampton or Isle of Wight County, Virginia, circa 1810, single body construction, early red and blue painted surface, three tier shelf section with molded cornice, twenty four small drawers above ten slightly larger drawers all with small round wood pulls, shaped bracket feet, yellow pine, poplar, and maple, 83 x 48 x 9 in.

  Provenance: Sumpter Priddy, Alexandria, Virginia, October 2005 (accompanied by copy of receipt for $45,000); From the Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsville, Alabama

  Note: Per Sumpter Priddy notes this cupboard comes from the Stephenson Company store in Unity, Southampton County, Virginia. The Stephenson Company went out of business in the 1960s; at that time, some of the store fittings were sold and this cupboard was put into storage at the abandoned Zuni train station. It was found there in the 1970s by a local antiques dealer and was acquired by Sumpter Priddy in 1998.

• Provenance

  Sumpter Priddy, Alexandria, Virginia, October 2005 (accompanied by copy of receipt for $45,000); From the Collection of Elbert H. Parsons, Jr., Huntsville, Alabama

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• Buyer's Premium
  • 28.00 %
• Condition
  very good integrity, early painted red brown paint over original dark blue, the case sides exhibiting the original blue, dry surface with distress and wear throughout, areas of rubbed paint loss to most drawers where labels were； most drawers sticky, minor losses at corners of front feet, two drawers replaced, some molding restorations, shallow mortises from previous hinges now filled and retouched Accompanied by Sumpter Priddy's condition notes； "in fine condition with an early coat of repaint over the original blue. The maple pulls are original. During previous ownership in the 1990s, an overcoat of modern silver paint was removed and small portions of the waist mold and cornice returns were restored. Mortises on the front edges of the upper stiles, for hinges that were added in the late 19th Century, were filled and inpainted. Two of the drawers are old replacements. A four inch vertical strip from the corner of the proper right front foot facing is missing and the rear edge of the side facing has been repaired." Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.