Berks County, Pennsylvania painted poplar dower chest dated 1773, the front inscribed "Maria Elisabed Webern", above 2 panels with birds and tulips centering 2 polka dot mermaids holding a stylized tulip, flanked by dogs chasing a stag and saddle horse with birds, the ends have stippled panels and heart corners, retaining its original wrought iron hinges and boldly molded plinth base, 19 1/4" h., 49" w. Exhibited at the Philadelphia Maritime Museum "The Tale of the Mermaid", curated by Lee Ellen Griffith, November 1986 and illustrated in Colonial Homes, August 1994. An illustrated brochure from the museum accompanies this lot. Parts: Information/Letter. Age cracks to top. Wear to surface. One side base molding replaced. Previously fitted with shoe foot.