Chest of Drawers

This chest of drawers was made for Drury Smith, one of the state’s wealthiest residents.  A self-made man, he amassed his fortune as a tobacco planter and dry goods merchant.  Before the Civil War his wealth was valued at $120,000, including 62 slaves.  Following the war, the value of his estate dwindled to just $12,000.

The chest’s simple fleur-de-lis, bellflower, and dot inlays on the stiles were probably produced in the maker’s shop rather than purchased, and speak to the Backcounrty origins of this object.