Case Pieces 

This section provides more detailed information on various case pieces that Eldred Wheeler offered over the years. It is divided into the following groups: chests; highboys/lowboys; sideboards; and cupboards.

Most of the case pieces were designed in the company’s early years (prior 1990) and continued to be offered up until its closing in 2019. Over the years, some original designs were modified somewhat to expand the product line or for custom orders.

Cupboards were introduced to address a growing customer demand for increased storage space. The company’s original offerings included a step-back cupboard, corner cupboard, and linen press. The line was expanded in the early 1990s to include a variety of bookcases, breakfronts, and cabinets.

The Eldred Wheeler book lists most period-style pieces. Click here to view the book’s Appendix (best to select two-page view after opening).

Chests and Desks

Eldred Wheeler made a variety of chests. They included four, five, six, and ten drawer designs along with several ogee, blockfront, and serpentine examples. The company offered several chest-on-chests, chest-on-frames, and chest-on-chest-on frames as well as several blanket chests and small chests. Eldred Wheeler’s product line also included a number of desks, secretaries, and writing surfaces.

  • Chest-on-Frames. The company made a variety of chest-on-frames. These include three Dunlap versiongs and two Queen Anne examples. The story behind the creation of these pieces is related here. More

  • Eldred Wheeler Desks and Writing Tables: Slant-lid desks were always one of Emmett’s favorite 18th century furniture forms. They are not only practical but also perfect for showcasing a cabinetmaker’s creativity and craftsmanship. Several decades ago, the widespread use of large computer monitors made consumers abandon slant-lid desks in favor of computer tables. The move to laptops and tablets has made slant-lid desks great workstations again. Eldred Wheeler also made a library desk and a variety of writing tables and surfaces. Many were well received and became a permanent part of Eldred Wheeler’s product line. More

Sideboards and Servers

Included in this section are a variety of pieces that could be used as sideboards, servers, or consoles. They included country Hepplewhite sideboards, hunt boards, servers with drawers, and Queen Anne servers.

  • Sideboards and Servers: Eldred Wheeler’s only “sideboard-like” offering for its first six years was a tapered leg huntboard. The piece was suggested by the owner of Eldred Wheeler’s first independently owned Eldred Wheeler store in 1979. Eldred Wheeler didn’t introduce an actual sideboard until 1989. Emmett worked with Eldred Wheeler’s lead craftsman to develop a cutting list and instructions for crafting the prototype The introduction of the sideboard was a part of an effort to reinvigorate  the company with the addition of a variety of new products. More

Highboys/Lowboys

The company crafted several bonnet-top and flat-top highboys. It also offered several Dunlap highboys including one with a basket weave cornice. A variety of 18th-century New England lowboys were also produced.

  • Queen Anne Highboy and Lowboy - “The Renegade Dozen”. For a limited time, the company offered a simpler version of their Connecticut lowboy and flat-top highboy. Twelve QA highboys were ultimately finished at Leonard’s Antiques in Seekonk, MA. This is their story along with the fate of the QA lowboy. More

  • New Hampshire and New England Lowboys. Eldred Wheeler initially offer a Connecticut and a slate-top lowboy. Emmett happened across a picture of an antique New Hampshire lowboy in Antiques Magazine. It appeared to be a cross between a lowboy and a tea table with drawers. It initially sold well, but eventually sales plateaued. Adding a new, lower priced version seemed to make sense, so the New England lowboy was introduced. Unfortunately, sales were modest, so we decided to also offer it with a shell carving in the skirt. More

Cupboards

The pieces highlighted in this section are the period forms that the company initially offered. They include pieces pictured in the Appendix of the Collector’s Guide and include linen presses, corner cupboards, step-back cupboards, apothecary chests, hanging cupboards, and storage cabinets.

  • Eldred Wheeler Cupboards: A year after our move to a new facility in Hingham, Massachusetts, Eldred Wheeler decided to add a cupboard to our product line. Emmett had always admired an antique corner cupboard that friend had and suggested the company might consider it as a possibility. Everyone agreed and Eldred Wheeler introduced it as a product shortly thereafter. The Eldred Wheeler Corner Cupboard was well received and became one of the company’s permanent offerings. Over the years, the company crafted a variety of cupboards. More