Kent Coffey Perspecta Walnut Gentleman's Chest Model 7902 Rosewood

Kent Coffey Perspecta gentleman's chest in walnut with sculpted rosewood accents, Model 7902. The upper cabinet's signature feature is the run of vertical pilasters framing pierced almond-shaped voids — the sculpted rosewood parabolas that defined the Perspecta line when it was introduced in 1958 and remain its most recognizable design statement in American mid-century case goods. Splayed tapered legs and clean architectural massing tie the piece to the late-fifties Scandinavian and Brutalist currents that Kent-Coffey was channeling at the height of its bedroom-set production.

Twin doors open to an interior with two fixed shelves at 7 3/8" and 9" heights over two dovetailed drawers, with three graduated dovetailed drawers in the lower case — the top drawer fitted with a divider. Original sculpted brass pulls throughout. Inside the case, factory stenciling reads "7902 CHEST / WAL & PECAN-103" and the branded Kent Coffey Perspecta maker's mark is present, both confirming the model and the line. Produced in Lenoir, North Carolina by Kent-Coffey Manufacturing Company, founded 1907 and a leading American mid-century case-goods producer until its 1964 acquisition by Magnavox.

CONDITION

We grade it as Fair (but we have high standards!). The chest remains very sturdy with all drawers and doors operating properly. Notable flaws include chips to the veneer along the top, damage throughout the lower left side, and scratches and general wear across the surfaces.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 51 3/4" H × 42" W × 20" D
• Upper cabinet interior: 2 fixed shelves (top 7 3/8" H, bottom 9" H), 2 dovetailed drawers
• Lower case: 3 graduated dovetailed drawers; top drawer fitted with divider
• Maker: Kent-Coffey Manufacturing Co., Lenoir, NC
• Line: Perspecta (introduced 1958)
• Model: 7902
• Primary wood: Walnut
• Secondary wood: Pecan (per factory stencil)
• Accents: Rosewood sculpted door fronts
• Hardware: Original sculpted brass pulls
• Era: Circa late 1950s–early 1960s