Antique Chest Of Drawers

A Swiss walnut pedestal Table, Victorian large mahogany Library Bookcase,  Victorian papier-mache Chairs

A George Ill-style painted and
upholstered Berger, circa 1910,
covered in brocade, the padded arms
with turned facings, the bowed seat with
a cushion, on turned tapering legs.

A Victorian large mahogany Library Bookcase, circa 1850, formerly part of a larger bookcase, with receded terminals and acanthus carved corbels, the molded cornice above six

glazed paneled doors enclosing adjustable shelves, below are four paneled doors and a plinth base, altered and restored, 238cm. high by 366cm. wide; 7ft.  by 12ft.

A Victorian walnut ‘Savonarola’ Chair, circa 1900, with ladder back and stuffed velvet seat, the splayed legs joined by an ‘X’-shaped stretcher.

A Victorian teak and brass-bound secretaries Military Chest, circa 1860, in two parts, the fitted writing drawer flanked by four short drawers.

A Victorian olivewood Work Table, circa 1850, the octagonal molded top enclosing a fretted lid and yellow moire silk-linear interior, on concave splat supports, a molded

baluster pillar and concave-sided platform with molded scroll feet, 71cm. nigh by 48cm.2ft. 4in. by  7in.

A parquetry Side Cabinet, late
19th Century, in the Louis XV/XVI
Transitional style, with bowed ends and
cabriole legs, the frieze inlaid to simulate
fluting and containing four drawers,
with four quarter-veneered cupboards
below inlaid with baskets and sprays of
flowers, with gilt-bronze mounts, 117cm.
high by 89cm. wide; 3ft. by
7ft. 22in.

A pair of George Ill-style
satinwood and floral painted shield-back
Chairs, circa 1890, with pierced splats
and stuffed bowed seats covered in
brocade, the tapered square legs ending
in collars.

A Victorian rosewood
Bonheur-du-Jour, circa 1900, inlaid with
satinwood stringing and arabesques, with
rear hinged domed cover revealing
stationery compartments, pen tray and
inkwell, the fold-over top revealing an
inset, the two apron drawers above
tapered square legs and galleried
under tier, on brass capping and castors,
69cm. wide; 2ft. 3in.

A pair of Victorian papier-mache
Chairs, circa 1860, with foliate painting
and gilt festoons, the spiral-twist back
supports with a needlework splat, the
matching seat above turned legs joined
by bobbin turned stretchers

A Victorian rosewood Stool, circa 1860, the rectangular stuffed seat covered in green brocade, the scroll carved apron above acanthus-clad cabriole legs, on scroll feet .

A Victorian rosewood Pole Screen, circa 1850, with scroll carved velvet framed panel, the brass and baluster pillar above a circular base, on triple molded feet, 144cm. high;

4ft. 82in.

An Edwardian mahogany Display
Cabinet, circa 1910, the pierced fret
pediment with vase-turned finials, the
pear-drop cornice above a pair of arched
astragal doors enclosing a pleated
fabric-lined interior with glass shelves,
the combined stand with chamfered
square legs and pierced angle brackets
joined by a fretwork under tier, fitted for
electric light, 174cm. high by 112cm. wide;
5ft. 82in. by 3ft. 8in.

CONTINENTAL FURNITURE

A Continental 18th Century-style
walnut Chest, circa 1850, with specimen
parquetry banding and canted corners,
the den tilled cornice above three long
drawers, on shaped bracket feet, 97cm.
high by 114cm. wide; 3ft. 2in. by 3ft. 9in.

An Italian carved and gilt framed
Wall Mirror, modern, in the George
II-style, with pierced foliate scroll
surround, the pagoda surmount above
wave and flame motifs, the apron
centered by a cartouche, 160cm.
high by 82cm. wide; 5ft. 3in. by 2ft. 8in.

A Dutch mahogany and
cross banded bow-front Cabinet
Bookcase, circa 1890, inlaid with
chevron banding and satinwood urns
and maidens, the blind-fret cornice
above a pair of paneled doors enclosing
adjustable shelves, below are two frieze
drawers and a pair of paneled doors, on
shaped bracket feet, restored, 221cm. high
by l05cm. wide; 7ft. 3in. by 3ft. 51.

A Dutch parquetry and walnut serpentine-fronted side Table, circa 1750, with an arrangement of four drawers and a shaped apron, on cabriole legs and pad feet, drawer stamped

From Geoffrey R. Edwards Furniture Warehouse, 12 Dotcom Street, S. W.

A Florentine ornate carved frame Mirror, circa 1730, the shaped plate with bold floral scroll surround, gilt tarnished, 74cm. high by 63cm. wide; 2ft. 5in. by
2ft.

A Dutch parquetry and
mahogany bow-front Corner Cupboard,
circa 1800, the door above shaped and
tapered square feet, 84cm. high by 69cm.
wide; 2ft. 9tn. by 2ft. 3m.

A German mahogany Bureau,
circa 1870, the raised back with three
drawers, the piano molded fall-front
revealing a maple veneered interior with
leather cloth inset and three drawers,
below are three apron drawers, on
turned and receded tapering legs, 112cm.
high by 130cm. wide; 3ft. 8in. by 4ft. 3in.

An Empire mahogany Side
Cabinet, circa 1820, the frieze drawer
above a pair of paneled doors flanked
by Corinthian pilasters, on block feet,
95cm. high by 93cm. wide; 3ft. by
3ft. 2in.

A Swiss walnut pedestal Table, circa 1860, the oval serpentine top with satinwood vine inlay and medallions, decorated in pinwork with a reclining lion, deer and goats, the

pierced apron above an ornate carved scroll tripod base, 93cm. wide;

VICTORIAN, EDWARDIAN FURNITURE, A Victorian rosewood Canterbury, A Victorian rosewood pedestal Table, Dwarf Bookcase

A George Ill-style mahogany four-poster Bed, circa 1900, with key pattern cornice and damask-lined canopy, with twin receded baluster pillars and damask drapes, the box-spring

base with a feather mattress, on square lock feet and castors, 142cm. wide; 4ft. 8in.

A George Ill-style mahogany kneehole Dressing Table, made-up, with brass carrying handles and three frieze drawers, the arched kneehole flanked by two drawers and a pair of

cupboards simulating drawers, on shaped bracket feet, 84cm. wide; 2ft. 9in.    ?150-250

A pair of Victorian walnut and they wood corner Display Cabinets, circa 1855, formerly part of a side cabinet, with ormolu mounts an inlaid with stringing and arabesques, the

bowed glazed door enclosing a velvet-lined and shelved interior flanked by four baluster turned and fluted Corinthian pillars, on a plinth base and turned feet, altered, one

cabinet with cracked glazed panel, 89cm. high by 80cm. wide; 2ft. 11m. by 2ft.

A George Ill-style mahogany
serpentine-fronted Chest, circa 1900,
with kingwood banding and satinwood
stringing, the four long graduated
drawers flanked by canted corners, on
shaped bracket feet, together with a
plate glass top, 81cm. high by 102cm. wide;
2ft. 8in. by 3ft. 4in.

A George Ill-style mahogany
framed shield-shaped Toilet Mirror,
circa 1900, the serpentine-front plinth
with three drawers and canted blind-fret
corners, on ogee bracket feet, restored,
61cm. wide; 3ft.

A George Ill-style satinwood and
painted Armchair, circa 1900, with
caned back and arms, the bowed cane
seat with a cushion, the ring turned legs
ending in brass capping and castors.

A Victorian rosewood
Canterbury, circa 1870, in the manner of
Edwards & Roberts, inlaid with satinwood
stringing, the open tier above a recess
with mirror back and scroll carved
terminals, below is a fall-front paneled
door inlaid with vase and fruit within
arabesques and pattered, the interior with
three shelves, the gadrooned turned feet
ending in ceramic castors, 97cm. high by
65cm. wide; 3ft. 2m. by 2ft.

A George Ill-style stained beech
and upholstered Armchair, made-up, in
the French Hippie white manner, the stuffed back, padded arms and bowed seat covered in blue striped fabric, on baluster turned and fluted legs.

A George Ill-style mahogany
Armchair, made-up, the leaf carved
cresting rail above a pierced and
interlaced vase-shaped splat, the slip-in
seat with gadrooned apron, the acanthus
carved cabriole legs ending in claw and
ball feet.

A Victorian rosewood pedestal
Table, circa 1840, the circular tilt-top
with a den tilled border, the gadrooned
and jeweled baluster pillar above a
carved tripod base, on claw feet and
concealed castors, faults, 135cm 4ft. 5in.
A set of twenty-eight Victorian oak rail-back Chairs, circa 1860, the stuffed leather cloth seats above an apron with quart form and lancet motifs, on ring turned tapering legs

.

A George Il-style mahogany and parcel-gilt framed Wall Mirror, modern, the acanthus scroll pediment with an eagle, the rectangular plate above a scroll apron, 91.5cm. high by

91.5cm. wide; 3ft. by 3ft.

A George Ill-style mahogany ‘D’-end twin-pedestal Table, made-up, extending with two leaf insertions and with two rail bearers, the baluster turned
pillars above tripod supports ending in rasps capping and castors, 100 by 221cm. fully extended; 3ft. 3V2in. by 7ft. 3in.

A set of six George Ill-style
satinwood Chairs, circa 1900, with
ebonized-strung borders, the shield backs
with pierced vase-shaped splats and lotus
carved surmounts, the stuffed bowed
seats covered in gold damask, on tapered
square legs and spade feet.

A George Ill-style mahogany
Dwarf Bookcase, circa 1910, with a
pierced brass gallery and satinwood
banding, the three open shelves above
tapered square feet, 92cm. high by 53cm.
wide; 3ft. by  9in.

A set of six George Ill-style carved mahogany Chairs, circa 1910, the acanthus carved cresting rails above pierced and interlaced vase-shaped splats, the individual slip-in

seats with carved cabriole legs, on claw and ball feet, bearing trade label of Graham and Banks, 445 Oxford Street, London .

A set of eight George Ill-style
mahogany Chairs, modern, including
two armchairs, the scroll and foliate
carved cresting rails above pierced
vase-shaped splats, the slip-in seats
covered in rose-pink fabric, the carved
cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet.

A set of six George II-style
mahogany Chairs, circa 1910, the scroll
cresting rails with a receded medallion
surmount above a pierced and interlaced
vase-shaped splat, the slip-in seats
covered in pale-green damask, the
cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet.

A set of four Queen Anne-style
walnut Chairs, circa 1900, the drapery
carved cresting rail above a solid
vase-shaped splat, with a slip-in seat, the
cabriole legs joined by a turned
‘H’-shaped stretcher, on pad feet .

A set of six George Ill-style
mahogany Chairs, circa 1900, including
two armchairs, the carved backs with
splats, the seats covered in gold brocade, the chamfered tapered square legs joined by stretchers.

A set of eight George Ill-style
mahogany Chairs, circa 1910, including
two armchairs, the carved backs with
arched cresting rails, the pierced
vase-shaped splats surmounted by a
cartouche, the slip-in seats covered in
distressed hide, the acanthus carved
cabriole legs ending in claw and ball feet.

A George II-style carved
mahogany and upholstered Library
Armchair, circa 1900, the arched back,
padded arms and stuffed seat covered in
needlework, with grotesque mask
arm-facings, the acanthus carved and
scroll apron with masks and scallop-shell
motifs, on cabriole legs and claw feet.

A George III mahogany Linen Press, William IV mahogany Chairs, mahogany pedestal Desk, mahogany break-front Cabinet

A set of six William IV mahogany Chairs, circa 1830, with lotus carved cresting rails and clasp-shaped mid-bars, the Trafalgar seats above lappet-clad turned and tapering legs,

stamped with initials I.D.

A set of four Regency simulated
bamboo painted Chairs, circa 1815, the
rail-backs with disc and bobbin turned
mid-bars, the turned legs joined by
stretchers .

A Regency mahogany and cane Crib, formerly with a canopy, with rocking action, the ring turned end supports joined by twin pole stretchers, on receded splayed feet and later

castors, 102cm. long; 3ft. 4in.

A set of eight George IV
mahogany Chairs, circa 1825, including
two armchairs, the cresting rail above a
drapery-style mid-bar, with Trafalgar
seats, on turned and lotus-clad tapering
legs .

A George III mahogany
Occasional Table, circa 1760, the
circular tilt-top above a baluster turned
pillar, on tripod supports, top split, 74cm.
2ft. 5m.

A George IV mahogany pedestal
Desk, circa 1825, the tooled leather-inset
top above three frieze drawers, the
pedestals each with three drawers above
later shaped bracket feet, restored,
stamped W. P. Priest, Water Square,
Black friars.

A nest of three George III
satinwood and rosewood cross banded
Tables, circa 1790, with satinwood-
strung borders, the slender ring turned
legs with bowed stretchers, on splayed
feet, restored, 46cm. wide;  6in.

A mahogany break-front Cabinet,
made-up, the frieze drawer above a
recess flanked by a real and dummy
drawer and cupboards, on a plinth base,
81cm. high by 165cm. wide; 2ft. 8in. by
5ft. 5in.

A George II mahogany
rectangular drop-leaf Table, circa 1750,
the ogee molded frieze above cabriole
legs ending in claw and ball feet, restored,
97by 145cm. extended; 3ft. 2in. by 4ft. 9in.

A George III mahogany
Box-on-Stand, circa 1790, with
satinwood banding and hinged cover,
the combined stand now with two
under tiers, on tapered square legs
ending in brass capping and castors,
56cm. wide;

A George III mahogany
twin-pedestal ‘D’-end Table, circa 1760,
now without leaves, on baluster turned pillars and tripod supports, restored.

A George III green painted
Library Armchair Frame, circa 1780,
with gilt painted stringing and bowed
seat, the slender cabriole legs joined by
stretchers, restored; together with an oval
gilt Picture Frame, 127 by 178cm.;
4ft. 2in. by 5ft.

A George III mahogany Linen
Press, circa 1790, inlaid with satinwood
stringing, the domed cornice above a
pair of oval paneled doors enclosing
sliding trays, below are two short and
two long drawers, the valance apron
with splayed bracket feet, 210cm. high by
122cm. wide; 6ft. 10l2in. by 4ft.

A George III mahogany
Chest-on-Chest, circa 1790, the
satinwood banded frieze above two short
and three long graduated drawers, below
are three long graduated drawers and a
valance apron, on splayed bracket feet,
171cm. high by 109cm. wide; 5ft. 71/2in. by
4ft. 7m.

A George III satinwood and
hardwood oval Wine Table, circa 1790,
the top with a shell medallion, the
tapered square legs surmounted by
medallions, 42cm. wide;  41/2in.

A pair of Regency mahogany receded frame Chairs, circa 1810, the rail backs with pattered carved mid-bars, the Trafalgar seat frames lacking upholstery, on saber legs, restored

.

A George III sycamore and rosewood cross banded small Occasional Table, circa 1790, inlaid with satinwood stringing, the rectangular top above a drawer, on tapered square legs

and spade feet, restored, 51cm. wide;  8in.

A George III carved mahogany
and upholstered Chair, circa 1780, the
oval buttoned back, padded arms and
bowed stuffed seat above tapered and
molded square legs.

A George III small mahogany
Chest, circa 1760, with two short an
three long graduated drawers, on
shaped bracket feet, 80cm. high by 69cm.
wide; 2ft. 71/2m. by 2ft. 3m

A George III mahogany
rectangular Occasional Table, circa
1790, stamped Gallows, with a drawer, on
tapered square legs, 69cm. wide; 2ft. 3in.

A matched set of eight Regency
mahogany rail-back Chairs, circa 1810,
on turned legs, comprising: a set of six
chairs, including two armchairs with
slip-in seats and pair of chairs with
stuffed seats .

A George III provincial oak Press, Queen Anne oak Chest-on-Stand, William and Mary oak Mule Chest, George I oak Blanket Chest

A William and Mary oak
rectangular Gate leg Table, circa 1690,
with two frieze drawers, the square and
baluster turned legs joined by stretchers,
102 by 130cm. extended; 3ft. 4in. by
4ft. 3m.

A Charles II oak and elm Cabinet,
made-up, with hinged cover and
twin-panel front, below is an apron
drawer, on stem feet with under tier,
96cm. high by 96cm. wide; 3ft. 2in. by
3ft. 2m.

A Queen Anne oak Chest-on-Stand, circa 1710, the molded cornice above a cushion frieze drawer, with two short and three long graduated drawers, the stand with three drawers and

an arcaded apron, on square cabriole legs, formerly with stretchers, restored, 152cm. high by 99cm. wide; 5ft. by 3ft. 3in.

A French provincial mahogany
Dough Bin, circa 1760, the serpentine-
fronted hinged cover above a tapering
body, the combined stand with a foliate
carved apron with matching stretchers,
the square and baluster turned supports
on scroll feet, 88cm. high by 130cm. wide;
A George II small oak Chest, circa 1750, with two short and three long graduated drawers, on shaped bracket feet, restored, 84cm. high by 90cm. wide; 2ft. 9in. by 2ft. 11 Van.

A William and Mary small oak Chest, circa 1690, with two short and two long cross banded drawers, on later shaped bracket feet, formerly the upper section of a chest-on-stand,

restored, 80cm. high by 83cm. wide; 2ft.

A William and Mary oak Mule Chest, circa 1700, with hinged cover and four-panel front, the two apron drawers with mitered moldings, on stem feet, 130cm. wide; 4ft. 3in.

A George II primitive ash comb-back Chair, circa 1750, the solid seat above chamfered splayed legs Joined by stretchers, restored.

A Dutch walnut standing Corner
Cupboard, circa 1750, the domed
cornice above a pair of paneled doors
enclosing a painted interior with
serpentine shelves, below are a smaller
pair of paneled doors enclosing a shelf,
with bowed corners and raised on
shaped bracket feet, 241cm. high by
135cm. wide; 7ft. l by 4ft. 5m.

A William and Mary carved oak Press Cupboard, circa 1690, bearing date 1691, the frieze carved with scroll motifs and the date and raised on a pair of pillars with a pair of

carved doors, the base similarly carved and with a pair of four-panel doors, 143cm. high by 163cm. wide; 4ft. 8in. by 5ft. 4in.

A George I oak Settle, circa 1720, with five arched and fielded panels to the back, the solid seat above square cabriole legs, 193cm. wide; 6ft. 4in.

A George III oak Dresser, circa
1780, the raised open-shelf back with a
molded cornice, the base with two
frieze drawers and an arched apron, on
chamfered square legs with an under tier,
on stem feet, altered and restored.

A Charles II oak Coffer, circa
1680, the triple-paneled front carved
with quatrefoil and pattered motifs, on
stem feet, restored, 132cm. wide; 4ft. 4in.

A George I oak Blanket Chest, circa 1720, now with a fixed cover, the front with four ogee arched and fielded panels and now forming a pair of doors, below are three drawers and

a shaped apron, on stem feet, altered and restored, 147cm. wide; 4ft. 7in.

A George II oak Clothes Press, circa 1750, the adjustable platform on solid end supports, below are three long drawers and later bun feet, 76cm. wide; 2ft. 6in.

A Queen Anne walnut Chest, circa
1710, now with a hinged oak top, below
are three long graduated drawers, on
shaped bracket feet, altered and restored,
81cm. high by 99cm. wide; 2ft. 8in. by
3ft. 3in.

A Charles II oak Press Cupboard,
circa 1680, the molded cornice and
frieze with initials D.I. and date 1725,
with turned supports flanking a pair of
cupboards and two central drawers,
below are a pair of paneled doors and
stem feet, restored and including later
timber, 173cm. high by 154cm. wide;
5ft. 8m. by 4ft. 5in.

A George II oak and pine Dresser,
circa 1750, the raised open-shelved back
with a molded cornice, the two frieze
drawers above a shaped apron, on
square legs and platform base, 200cm.
high by 155cm. wide; 6ft. 7 in. by 5ft.

A James I large oak Press
Cupboard, made-up, carved with
strap work and foliate motifs, the
S rejecting cornice with turned pendants asking a pair of cupboards centered by twin panels, below are four paneled doors, on stem feet, 170cm. nigh by 244cm. wide; 5ft. 7in. by

8ft.

An oak Dresser Base, late 17th Century, with molded top and three two-panel drawers, on two turned front legs, originally with four front legs, 84cm. high by 188cm. wide; 2ft.

9m. by 6ft. 2in.

A George III provincial oak Press, late 18th Century, with a pair of cupboard doors each with two arched fielded panels, the lower part with two drawers, on bun feet, 192cm.

high by 168cm. wide; 6ft. 31. by 5ft. 6in.

A George II oak Mule Chest, circa 1725, the frieze carved with initials and date 1727, below are triple fielded panels and two drawers, on stem feet, 138cm. wide; 4ft. 6in.

FRENCH AND ITALIAN CHESTS AND CHESTS OF DRAWERS About 1600-1675
Italian Renaissance cassone.
Lidded chests continued to be the main storage pieces until about 1650. From then on, they were largely replaced with armoires (see CUPBOARDS, p. 210) and chests of drawers, but in many rural areas the lidded chest survived as a traditional type. By about 1620 baroque (see GUIDE TO PERIODS AND STYLES, P. 192) had begun to replace Renaissance in Italy as the dominating style for much furniture, and soon travelled north. Many Italian cassoni are of the sarcophagus type (see CHESTS 1450-1600, opposite) with curved carcases that suited the baroque style of decoration, but 17thC chests of drawers were angular.
17thC carved Italian cassone.
Usually, a timber near to hand (see CHESTS before 1450, opposite) as the principal wood and sometimes throughout (e.g. oak in the Netherlands), sometimes with a secondary one (e.g. chestnut in France) for drawer-linings (sides, back and bottom). Iron.
Chests (wood): Framed, housed or built up. Germany made an iron type now popularly known as ‘armada’, with a large escutcheon around a false keyhole, the true one being concealed at the centre of the lid, under which a steel mechanism operates as many as 12 spring-loaded bolts.
Above, early-17thC German steel ‘Armada” chest, locking at 14 points.
Chests of drawers: Panelled ends joined by mortise-and-tenon joints to horizontal rails between the drawers at the front, panelled or boarded back. Drawers usually full width, but often moulded to appear narrower. In the Netherlands, lower ones often enclosed by doors. Drawers made with lap joints or, at best, two or three coarse dovetails.
Drawer-sides grooved to slide on side runners fitted inside ends. Feet are either continuations of stiles (corner posts) or separately turned on the lathe to ball or bun shapes, and dowelled into the base.
Drawer moulded to reduce width.
EUROPEAN DECORATION
Chests: Early-17thC Italian cassoni often have one large front panel with figures, scrolls or coats-of-arms carved in bold relief. In Denmark, chests of boarded construction were carved with love tokens (e.g. twin hearts) or with repeat patterns simulating the strapping on German iron chests (see the information on CONSTRUCTION above).
Chests of drawers: In Italy, drawer-fronts were sometimes decorated with certosina –inlay into the solid with small pieces of bone to form geometric patterns. In the Netherlands, floral patterns were inlaid with bone, ivory, mother-of-pearl. In most regions, mouldings were applied to drawer-fronts in geometric patterns – an Islamic style that spread from Moorish Spain. Patterns may be different on each drawer-front. Some mouldings and small areas veneered in ebony, imported from the East Indies; thus, the
ability to veneer led to the French calling cabinetmakers ebenistes, to distinguish them from the menuisiers (joiners) who worked with solid wood.
Handles: Turned wood, iron rings or brass drops. Italian wood knobs sometimes carved with heads of humans or animals.
handles: below right, wooden knob, turned and hatched; below left iron ring.
If grain was meant to be seen, varnish made of resin dissolved in linseed or poppy oil was used until about 1660, when lac in spirits of wine became popular. Country-made pieces oiled and polished with beeswax dissolved in turpentine. In Spain, Italy, the Alpine countries and Scandinavia, pine was painted in colours, with scrolls, foliage, flowers or figures, or left in natural state and scrubbed.
Best buy for those with space to fill: large Dutch chests of drawers, partly enclosed by doors; high quality, oak throughout. There are 19thC copies around, but the quality is often even better than the 17thC originals.
Dutch chest of drawers, mid-17thC.
Small Italian and Spanish chests of drawers in painted pine are often crudely constructed and later in date than they appear – sometimes so much later that they are best avoided unless backed by a worthwhile guarantee.