A Federal inlaid cherry serpentine chest of drawers, circa 1800-1805, attributed to Nathan Lombard, is one of the highlights of Weschler’s December 4th Capital Collections Estate Auction. Identified as one of the five serpentine chests attributed to Lombard by Brock Jobe and Clark Pearce’s 1998 Article “Sophistication in Rural Massachusetts: The Inlaid Cherry Furniture of Nathan Lombard”, the chest descended through six generations of the Clark family of Hardwick, Massachusetts. Nathan Lombard (1777-1847) of Sutton, Massachusetts has been the subject of continued scholarship and is admired for his intricate floral inlay and dynamic designs.

The chest, estimated to fetch $30,000-$50,000, features trailing floral inlay along its leafage-carved concave quarter columns, as well as Lombard’s distinctive cusp and spur feet and signature applied beaded strip along the back edge of the top. A similar but more exuberant example of Lombard’s serpentine chests, the Searls Family Chest, was sold at Skinner in 1999 and again at Sotheby’s as part of the Hochberg Collection. It achieved the record price for Lombard furniture realizing $872,500.

American Contemporary Art is in abundance for the fine art section of the sale. Three works by Virginia native, Thomas Downing, are among the many highlights. Downing, who studied at Catholic University under one of the founders of the Washington Color Field Movement, Kenneth Noland, eventually went on to teach at the Corcoran School of Art and Design and influenced many D.C. artists such as Sam Gilliam. All three works employ Downing’s typical use of repetition, form and color and carry estimates ranging from $3,000-$30,000.

L.A. Eye Works, by American post-war artist Jim Dine, is an eye-catching work that depicts his iconic heart theme. The work, estimated at $7,000-$9,000, displays Dine’s Pop Art influence through his characteristic use of everyday objects.

Other fine art of note includes a lithograph by Henri Matisse, Danseuse au Divan, ($10,000-$15,000) and an ethereal mixed media collage with pastel on paper landscape by American artist, Sylvia Plimack Mangold ($15,000-$25,000).

An 18-karat yellow-gold, diamond and black paillonné enamel bangle bracelet by acclaimed jewelry designer, Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. is a leader of the jewelry portion of the sale. Schlumberger’s bracelets adorned the hands of Jacqueline Kennedy so frequently that the press labeled them “Jackie bracelets”. The bracelet is estimated at $30,000-$50,000 and is a fitting piece for any D.C. lady.

Diamonds will abound just in time for the holidays. A platinum and diamond floral spray brooch by Van Clief with a total carat weight of 15.25 and a choker length tested platinum and diamond necklace with 12.40 carats of diamonds are just a few of the many wonderful diamond offerings; both carry $15,000-$20,000 estimates.

The auction will also feature a selection of Asian art, European and British fine art, silver, including a WMF intaglio cut glass and silver plate punch bowl, American and European furniture, and rugs.

Exhibition for the auction will be held November 28—December 3 at Weschler’s downtown D.C. 2nd floor gallery, located at 909 E Street, N.W. Exhibition hours and a complete illustrated catalogue are available at www.weschlers.com.