An Empire Fruitwood, Beechwood and Gilt-Metal Mounted Chest of Drawers

Possibly North European, Early 19th Century

The frieze with hidden long drawer over three further drawers flanked by tapering columns raised on ball feet.

Height 30 1/2 x width 37 1/2 x depth 19 inches.

From the Collection of Nelson R. DeMille

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Size
Height 30 1/2 x width 37 1/2 x depth 19 inches.

Condition
Overall with some age and construction cracks as expected; scattered nicks, abrasions and losses commensurate with age and use. Overall even sun lightening. The top with some discolored repairs and likely with a replaced board to the proper left side. The gilt-metal mounts with heavy rubbing to the gilding, revealing metal beneath. The drawers little sticky; but overall the piece in sturdy condition, attractive patina, ready to place.

Provenance
Freeman’s is honored to present the private collection of the celebrated novelist Nelson R. DeMille. A proud Long Island resident and U.S. Army veteran, DeMille’s first major novel, By the Rivers of Babylon, was published in 1978 and over the following decades, he authored more than thirty novels and short stories. His celebrated John Corey series, launched with Plum Island in 1997, became a mainstay of modern thriller fiction, while The General’s Daughter achieved additional acclaim through its major film adaptation starring John Travolta.Warm, incisive, and unfailingly generous with his time, DeMille was an active and beloved presence within the Authors Guild community for more than forty years and served as president of the Mystery Writers of America. An advocate to all, his passing marked the loss of not only a master storyteller, but a tireless mentor and champion of writers’ and their rights.The collection presented here reflects the discernment, curiosity, and richly lived life of a man whose stories defined a genre. We are pleased to offer collectors this unique opportunity to acquire works from the personal world of Nelson R. DeMille—objects that accompanied one of America’s great literary voices throughout a remarkable career.We invite you to explore these pieces—not merely as objects of provenance, but as elements of a distinctive story: the life and legacy of Nelson R. DeMille.