At first glance this is a standard issue mid to late 19th century Empire Revival style chest of drawers. It is 42 3/4 inches wide, 21 1/4 deep and 44 tall. However at the center of the top is a brass plaque inscribed Presented By Miss Ida Waller.
I’ve been unable to determine who Miss Waller was (or even which of the contending Miss Ida Waller’s), who it was presented to, when, or on what occasion. One would think, with the massive outbreak of newspapers in even the smallest of towns, during the late 19th century, that the presentation of this piece was probably recorded in some fashion.
Figuring this puzzle out will have to be filed as a project for another day.
For a 130 plus year old piece it is in good condition. There are some minor scratches and such but the only really notable problem is that the veneer panel on the dresser top is long gone. This left the underlying wood which someone stained and then water stained, got speckles of paint on and that sort of thing. Re-veneering, lacquering or living with it are solutions to this minor issue that spring readily to mind.
Material Culture Museum 