A Paint-Decorated Chest on Stand

19th Century and Later

The flip-top chest probably 19th century and later paint-decorated, resting on a modern stand with chamfered legs connected by box-form stretcher.

Height 24 1/4 x width 20 x depth 14 1/4 inches.

From the Collection of Nelson R. DeMille

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Size
Height 24 1/4 x width 20 x depth 14 1/4 inches.

Condition
The chest with age and construction cracks including scratches, losses splits to boards. The lock and hinges apparently original (now lacking key). As noted in the cataloging the paint modern and with a faux-craquelure finish; the paint decoration with some flaking, losses and area of discoloration. The interior has been papered over and the paper with staining, buckling and losses. The modern base ebonized and also with some scattered nicks, chips and losses. Overall sturdy and attractive.

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.