ITEM DESCRIPTION:

Rare corner cupboard was made by Thomas and James Ralph, Laurel, Delaware, were essentially a house-carpenter; however, one feature of every house upon which he worked and very much his distinctive form of corner cupboard. It could be part of the new construction or made to free stand. There are about 30 known in the vicinity of Laurel. They made two types of bottoms and the one we have for sale is the older one with the single door at the bottom. There is also a pull out dish or candle slide just above the single door. They were known for their decorative cupboards, with scalloped trim, witches' pinwheels motif and decorated surfaces, with as many as six colors. Historical books have drawings of five different types of Ralph Cupboards which were built. I feel that this one, is the most attractive due to the height and portions. What sets this apart from the others is the witches' pinwheel motifs are inside, and show through the glass. It also has a single draw in the middle of the molding, which I have not seen any of the drawings. There is a single draw at the bottom with the panel on each side. When we purchased the lovely corner cupboard, we were told that there had been some repainting to match the original and that approx. 75% of the paint was original. The inside had been repainted many years ago in a maroon color. The colors of light blue, cream (yellowed with age), were used over mixed woods. The cupboard is very well proportioned with a single door bottom and tall height. The heavy molding at the top and heavy scalloping are again portioned and definitely folk art. The wheels at the top have some bowing from age. The back as all original with the rose headed nails. The doors are pegged and 5 of the panes of glass are original.The Ralph's worked from 1785 through 1815, so the cupboard is over 200 years old. There is no purer form of folk art than this cupboard. This item is for pick up only or may be delivered to a location during one of our many road trips.