Bowfront mahogany veneer chest of drawers in the Hepplewhite style. Four drawers have progressing depths from the top to the bottom, each with overpressed drawer pulls two per drawer. At the top center of each drawer is a brass escutcheon keyhole. The top of the chest and each drawer are decorated with satin wood inlay. Chest is supported at its base by four french feet which feature a slightly outswept bracket foot combined with a valence skirt.
Provenance
Dr. Alexander Speer (James Buchanan maternal cousin)
Shaving stand is comprised of a mahogany veneer; the mirror attached to the top has a veneered bull-nose frame supported by ring and vase-turned stiles set into the top with tenons at a backward cant. The skirt has two half-drawers; however, the brass knob drawer-pulls are missing. The stand is supported by four ring and ball turned feet
Front facade of Wheatland. Note on back: "Dignity and grace are notable in the mansion Buchanan bought for $6250 in 1848 while Secretary of State in Polk's cabinet. With his niece Harriet Lane who was his White House hostess and companion to the end of his days, he entertained here frequently. Problems of state were dealt with during conferences in the spacious library. Buchanan died at Wheatland on June 1st, 1868 at the age of 77. Many original furnishings remain."
Provenance
Photographs from the James Buchanan Foundation institutional archives.
Front facade of Wheatland. Cropped with the following caption: "Wheatland, the gracious 19th century mansion of President James Buchanan, is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Hoop-skirted guides and much of Buchanan's furniture, china, and silver greet today's visitor at the home, open daily April through November and during selected witner dates. wheatland in one of eight historic homes open to visitors in Lancaster County." Photo Credit: Pennsylvania Dutch Visitors Bureau.
Provenance
Photographs from the James Buchanan Foundation institutional archives.
