Sumner or Wilson County, Middle Tennessee sugar sideboard, cherry primary with cherry veneer, poplar secondary. Consisting of a two-board pegged rectangular top over cherry veneered frieze, three scratch-beaded deep drawers (center drawer is the largest), over one wide drawer, all dovetailed with wooden knobs, locks, and brass escutcheons. Ring turned and tapered legs ending in spike feet. 35 3/4 in. H x 38 in. W x 20 1/4 in. D. Circa 1820-1830. Note: Two similar examples are illustrated in the book “The Art & Mystery of Tennessee Furniture” by Nathan Harsh and Derita Williams, p. 153, figures 170 & 171. Case Auctions sold a similar Middle TN sideboard form in January 2018, Lot 179.

Older refinish with expected shrinkage to top and sides. Wood pulls are not original, with plugged holes visible from the original pulls. Narrow veneer patch to the top right frieze (6 3/4 in. x 3/8 in). Slight buildup of lower drawer sides for the upper left and middle drawer. The right drawer escutcheon is missing.

Descended in the family of Hubbard Saunders (1765-1829), who settled Saundersville in Sumner County, Tennessee, and started the Methodist church there.  Hubbard was an acquaintance of President Andrew Jackson and raced horses with him. This piece descended through his son, Hubbard H. Saunders to his son, Jacob Saunders to Joe W. Saunders, grandfather of the consignor. A framed print of period portraits of Hubbard Saunders and his wife, along with some other family photos, are available to the winning bidder.