This well made four drawer chest has a bold chalk signature inside the back board that had to have been inscribed at the time of its construction. The first name is undoubtedly John and we believe the last name is Connell. We did not find him, but the MESDA craftsman database lists a father and son, both named James Connell in Fairfax County in the 18th century. It is very likely that this was made by the next generation of the Connells. The style, woods [walnut and southern yellow pine] and construction point to a Northern Virginia origin.
It has had minor inlay repairs and the brasses are replacements of the original design.