Lester Margon American Inlaid Chest of Drawers
I recently bought a copy of American Furniture Treasures by Lester Margon. For those who don’t know, it contains many measured drawings of significant pieces.
I am intending to make the Inlaid Chest on page 140. The instructions are very clear and the drawings show everything you need to know. However, the photograph that heads up the chapter is a low quality black and white image.
Margon’s original drawing says the chest is in the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum in New York but a footnote at the bottom of the page says it is “now the property of Trent House in Trenton, NJ”. I have contacted Trent House but they do not know of the chest and it isn’t in their collection now.
Has anyone come across this chest or seen a photo of it? Has anyone tried to make it? Attached is a scan of the first page of the chapter.
Julian
Replies
Julian,
I would contact the Metropolitan Museum. They might have some photographs in their collection.
Having measured drawings, you can 'assemble' a good sketch of the piece. Does the book contain any details of the inlay?
Best wishes,
Metod
Me too
Julian, I am in the same situation. Have you located the piece or found a photo of it?
I would make a strong effort to locate the original. I have made several projects from the Margon book. My experience was that Margon made changes to the design to suit his, rather commercial, tastes. In addition, the construction details were quite often changed.
I would make a strong effort to locate the original. I have made several projects from the Margon book. My experience was that Margon made changes to the design to suit his, rather commercial, tastes. In addition, the construction details were quite often changed.
I agree the Metropolitan Museum would be worth a call or letter. You must have talked to the wrong person at Trenton House, but any museum type non-profit will almost surely keep deaccession records. You might find, when you talk to the MET that it has a different name than used by Margon.
I have two original framed drawings by, Lester Margon. If you are interested in looking at them, I'm happy to help!
Trebleclef,
You've responded to a thread that is over 5 years old.
I doubt the original participants are following it.
Rich
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