Bombe Chest
Bombe chests originated during the French Regency period of the early 1700’s. The side to side and top to bottom double-serpentine curvature of this chest is taken from the French verb bomber, meaning to bulge. These pieces would have been costly to make, rare in their own time and surviving pieces are valued today.
During the second half of the 18th century the bombe style had arrived in Colonial America, but with much less ornamentation than earlier European designs.
Most bombe style furniture made in America came from Massachusetts in general and Boston in particular. The form
in America was sometimes described as kettle-based or kettle front. However, by
any name it was a costly piece of furniture.
This Bombe chest includes hand-antiqued brass griffin bail pulls, a harlequin
patterned inlay of Jarrah and Mahogany surrounding the top edge of the case and
cabriole legs instead of the traditional ball and claw configuration.
Plans can be found on the Project Plans & Notes page
