The upcoming auction (June 20) at Pook & Pook features an important Philadelphia Queen Anne highboy, attributed to both Samuel Harding and ”The Garvan Carver”. The wide estimated price (between $50,000 – $150,000) indicates that probably such a museum piece may not fetch as high as it should have under the current economy yet there is still a hope that such rare beauty may spice up the competition between those who appreciate it and have deep pockets. Another interesting thing is that this piece is attributed to two different hands. If the dating is correct, this could be one of the last pieces that Samuel Harding made in his life.

Here is the description from the sale catalog.

Important Philadelphia Queen Anne transitional carved ahogany scroll top high chest of drawers, ca. 1755 in two parts, the carving attributed to the hands of both Samuel Harding and “The Garvan Carver”. The upper section has a swans neck pediment with flame finials and floral rosettes above a tympanum rocaille shell and ‘floating’ streaming foliage that are both signature elements of the work of Samuel Harding (died 1758). The five smaller drawers and three long drawers retain period brasses and are flanked by bold fluted quarter columns. The base has a central drawer with recessed shell carving and applied streaming foliage above a scalloped skirt with an applied shell, supported by cabriole legs with shell carved knees terminating in ball and claw feet, 7’9″ h., 47″ w. The carving on the base can be identified as being by the hand of “The Garvan Carver”. It is very interesting to have both of these carvers working at the same shop, but not surprising as they were working and living in close proximity.