A rare, Bermudian-crafted cedar settle dating from the late 17th/early 18th century is due to go on the block at one of New York's leading auction houses in two weeks time.

Attributed to Thomas Dunscombe, the impressive, ten-feet long, part-ebonised settle has 76 spindles which comprise the two-tier back. Described by the auction house as representing "a rare opportunity to purchase a very early, documented and highly developed example of indigenous Bermudian seating furniture'', it is estimated that the settle will fetch something in the region of $60,000 to $90,000.

Speaking on behalf of the Bermuda National Trust, president Hugh Davidson said, "We think it's a superb piece of furniture and it would be wonderful if it could be brought back to Bermuda. Of course, the estimated price puts it quite outside the realm of possibility for the Trust to purchase. We have no reserve funds for this kind of eventuality.'' Noting that he had known about the settle for about six or seven years, and that the auctioneers had contacted the Trust with details about the upcoming sale on June 17, Mr. Davidson said he believed that the Minister of Finance had also been informed about this important William and Mary piece. He admitted it was unlikely that Bermuda would be able to `save' this unique piece of antique furniture from overseas buyers. "It would be a wonderful thing for Bermuda if it could be repatriated -- perhaps through a combined effort of Government, the Trust and various other historical organisations, corporations or interested parties -- and particularly with the help of a generous benefactor or benefactors.'' According to the catalogue, the cedar settle bears an `approximate' signature of T Duscom... . If this was indeed the maker, he was a descendant of Hanah Jadwyn Dunscombe who arrived in Bermuda around 1626. Although no direct connection has been found between John Dunscomb Seon and Thomas Dunscombe, it would seem that they were both prominent families, related by marriage and business.

When American Lewis Taylor Constable acquired the settle back in 1910, it formed part of the furnishings of `Seaward', a grand, Bailey's Bay home which he purchased on his retirement to Bermuda from John Dunscomb Seon. He, in turn, had inherited the house and furnishings from his aunt, Mary Outerbridge Seon.

UNDER THE HAMMER -- A rare, Bermudian settle (bench), due be auctioned off in New York later this month.