This high chest of drawers was owned by Mary Stratton Stebbins (1749-1830) of Belchertown, Massachusetts. It is believed to have been part of the “wedding outfit” when she married Samuel Hinsdale of Greenfield, Massachusetts, in 1772. This maple chest conforms to the style know as “Queen Anne” or “Rococo.” A departure from the heavy joined oak chests of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the high chest was made by a cabinetmaker rather than the joiner of an earlier period. It was intended to store clothing and household linens. This square-head or flat top case of drawers is constructed of lightweight dovetailed maple boards and has a curvilinear skirt, delicately shaped cabriole legs, and 13 drawers. It was originally painted red or grain-painted to resemble a hardwood, but is now black. The carved shell on the center drawer of the lower case may be original. The pinwheel on the upper section was probably added later.