104 S. 2ND STREET
PERKASIE PA 18944
This chest was produced in order to highlight Kittinger Company's "Centennial of Craftsmanship", celebrating 100 years of the "skill of the hands."
The original antique selected for reproduction is a part of the Mabel Brady Garvan Collection at Yale University Art Gallery and on permanent display since 1930. The original antique remains at Yale and can be viewed yet today on the Yale University Art Gallery website. This chest is considered one of the finest and most detailed examples of the Philadelphia High Chest form.
The original antique was attributed to Thomas Affleck, a leading Philadelphia cabinetmaker of the period 1763-1775. Affleck was well known for the type of graceful, relief type, carving found on this chest. Affleck came to America from Scotland, setting up shop in the wealthy community of Philadelphia in the early 1760s, and in the ensuing years became famous for his artistry in wood.
Kittinger elected to produce 12 copies of the antique. Each chest is numbered and distinguished by a special brass plaque as well as other Kittinger Company markings. The brass plaque is engraved with the name of the original purchaser of the chest. The reproduction was examined and approved by the Curator, Yale University Art Gallery.
