Antique Chest Of Drawers

Flemish 17th Century-style oak Press Cupboard, Commonwealth oak Cupboard, William and Mary stained beech wood Side Chair

A Flemish 17th Century-style oak Press Cupboard, made-up, with inlaid
panels within strap work and mitered orders, carved with cherub and lion masks, the terminals with split baluster moldings, the molded cornice above a pair of paneled doors and

two shallow doors, below are a larger pair of paneled doors and stem feet, 216cm. nigh by 163cm. wide; 7ft.  by 5ft. 4in.

A Charles II carved walnut and cane Day-Bed, made-up, with putt and vase cresting rail with matching stretchers, on spiral-twist supports and turned feet, faults, 183cm. Lang;

6ft.

An Elizabeth I-style oak Coffer, made-up, the hinge cover above a fluted frieze, the twin arched panels with geometric inlay flanked by caryatid terminals, on scroll bracket

feet, 136cm. wide; 4ft. 52in.

A Continental walnut Stool, circa 1700, the rectangular stuffed seat above scroll feet joined by stretchers, restored, 69cm. wide; 2ft. 3in.

A Charles II oak Coffer, made-up, the five arched panels above stem feet, 168cm. wide; 5ft. 6in.

A Charles II-style walnut and cane Day-Bed, circa 1870, with pattered and scroll cresting rail and similar stretchers, with spiral-twist supports, on turned feet, 175cm. bug;

5ft. 9in.

A Charles II-style walnut and cane large Stool, made-up, the rectangular seat above square and spiral-twist supports joined by pierced and carved stretchers with foliate and

coronet motifs, 153cm. long; 5ft.

A Charles II walnut and cane-back Stool, made-up, with scroll cresting rail and matching stretchers, on square and turned supports, 79cm. wide; 2ft. 7in.

A William and Mary red walnut oval Gate leg Table, circa 1700, the square and baluster turned legs joined by stretchers, on molded scroll feet, restored, lacking section from

one leaf, 122 by 122cm. extended; 4ft. by 4ft

A Commonwealth oak Cupboard, made-up, the molded cornice and bolection frieze above a pair of paneled doors with metered moldings enclosing hanging space, below are triple

panels and two apron drawers, on stem feet, faults, 193cm. high by 142cm. wide; 6ft. 4in. by 4ft. 8in.

A Charles II oak box-seat Steed, made-up, the multi-paneled back with foliate stylized carving and initials A.T. and M.T., the hinged seat above a triple-paneled and fluted

apron, on stem feet and castors, 175cm. wide;

An Adige cedar wood Cass one, circa
1700, now with a pine hinged cover,
decorated with pokerwork on a stipple
ground, faults, 181 cm. wide;
A Commonwealth-style cedar wood
and oak Chest-on-Stand, made-up, with
mitered moldings and paneled sides,
the distressed den tilled cornice above
four long drawers, the associated stand
with arcaded frieze, the stem feet with
bobbin turned pilasters and split bun
feet, faults, 150cm. high by 91.5cm. wide;
4ft. l by 3ft.

A French Louis XV provincial
large oak Armoire, circa 1/50, the
molded cornice above a pair of
paneled doors enclosing hanging space,
on stem feet, restored, 250cm. nigh by
173cm. wide; 8ft. 21/mi. by 5ft. 8m.

A pair of Continental walnut and oak Chairs, circa 1690, with arched cresting rails, the stuffed backs and seats covered in flame-stitch tapestry, the turned and square legs

joined by stretchers, restored.

A William and Mary stained beech wood Side Chair, circa 1695, the stuffed back and seat covered in brocade, the upturned vase-shaped legs joined by stretchers, restored
This lot was purchased in the Much Had ham house sale, lot 682, on the 1st October, 1980.

A Queen Anne oak four-poster Bed
Frame, circa 1710, of paneled
construction, with canopy and twin
pillars,, on stem feet, restored, 142cm. wide;
4ft. 8m.

A George II oak Dresser, circa
1750, the associated raised open-shelf
back with a pierced frieze and fluted
terminals, the base with three frieze
drawers, below are two drawers flanked
by a pair of fielded paneled doors, on
stem feet. 197cm. high by 185cm. wide;

A Queen Anne walnut and
cross banded Bureau, circa 1710, inlaid
with feather banding, the fall revealing a
stepped and fitted interior with a well
below are four long graduated drawers,
on shaped bracket feet, restored, 100cm.
high by 91.5cm. wide; 3ft. 31/nn. by 3ft.

A George I oak Cupboard, circa
1720, in two parts, the pair of paneled
doors enclosing hanging space, the base
with two dummy drawers and two real
drawers, on stem feet, 180cm. high by
132cm. wide; 5ft. l by 4ft. 4in.

A Queen Anne oak Cupboard, circa
1710, in two parts, the pair of fielded
panel doors enclosing hanging space, the
base with triple fielded panels, restored,
177cm. high by 136cm.

A George I oak Cupboard, circa
1720, the dentilled cornice above a pair
of fielded panel doors enclosing hanging
space, the base with triple fielded panels
and an apron drawer, restored, 185cm.
high by 130cm. wide; 6ft.  by 4ft. 3in.

A Charles II ambry Press Cupboard, circa 1680, the projecting cornice with turned pendants above three fielded panel doors, the three frieze drawers above a pair of fielded

panel doors with spindle turned insets, on stem feet, restored, 163cm. high by 134cm. wide; 5ft. 4in. by 4ft. 5in.

A George II oak Cupboard-on-
Chest, circa 1720, the pair of doors with
ogee arch and fielded panels, below are
four dummy drawers, the base with
three short and one long drawer, on
shaped bracket feet, restored, 153cm. high
by 136cm. wide; 5ft. by 4ft. 51/zin.

WALNUT FURNITURE, George I carved red walnut Armchair, Queen Anne walnut and featherbanded Chest-on-Stand, George I walnut Bureau

A Queen Anne walnut Chest,  inlaid with featherbanding, with two short and three long graduated drawers, on shaped bracket feet, restored, cm. high by cm. wide.; ft.

A George I walnut Chair,  the scroll cresting rail above a vase-shaped splat and slip-in needlework seat, the carved cabriole legs with H-shaped stretchers and pad feet, one

scroll to the knee lacking, worm

A Queen Anne walnut Chest-oa-
Stand, made-up, inlaid with satinwood
stringing, the moulded cornice above two
short and three long graduated drawers,
the stand with two drawers and a shaped
apron, on cabriole legs and pad feet.
restored, cm.

A pair of George I walnut Chairs,
with vase-shaped splats and
slip-in seats, the square legs joined by
stretchers

A Queen Anne walnut and
crossbanded Bureau,  inlaid
with featherbanding, the fall with a folio
rest and revealing a stepped and fitted
interior with a well, below are two short
and two.long drawers, on later shaped
bracket feet, restored, cm. high by  cm.
wide.; ft. Vin. by ft.

A WIIIiam and Mary oyster walnut and satinwood banded Chest-on-Stand,  with satinwood banding and segmented veneers, with two short and two long drawers, the stand with a

drawer and spiral-twist legs joined by stretchers, on bun feet, cm. high by cm. wide.; ft. Ain. by ft. lin., the stand with alterations

A Queen Anne walnut and crossbanded Escritoire-on-Chest,  inlaid with featherbanding, the moulded cornice and cushion frieze drawer above a fall revealing an arrangement of

pigeon-holes, small drawers and a cupboard, below are two short and two long drawers, on later shaped bracket feet, restored, faults, cm. high by cm. wide.; ft. Ain. by ft. in.

A George II large red walnut oval drop-leaf Table,  with ogee arched apron, the bold cabriole legs ending in pad feet, one pad foot partially lacking,  by cm. extended; ft. in.

by ft.

A George I carved red walnut
Armchair,  with vase-shaped
splat and eagle head arms, the stuffed
bowed seat above cabriole legs with scroll
knees, on daw and ball feet, restored

A WIIIiam and Mary-style walnut
Torchere, made-up, the decagonal top
with starburst inlay, the turned and
chamfered tapered pIIIar above tripod
scroll supports, cm. high; ft. in.

A George II red walnut kneehole Dressing Table,  with a frieze drawer and shallow apron drawer, the recessed cupboard flanked by six short drawers, on shaped bracket feet, cm.

high by cm. wide.; ft.  by ft. in.

A WIIIiam and Mary walnut Chest-on-Stand,  the sides in pine, the crossbanded drawers with later cock beading, the stand with a drawer above shaped brackets, now lacking legs,

faults, altered and restored, cm. high by cm. wide.; ft. in. by ft. in.

A George II walnut oval drop-leaf Table,  on circular tapering legs and pad feet, faults,  by cm. extended; ft. m. by ft. m.

A Queen Anne-style walnut and crossbanded Side Table, made-up, inlaid with featherbanding, the quarter veneered top above three drawers and a shaped apron, on cabriole legs and

pad feet, cm. wide.; ft. in.

A Queen Anne walnut and featherbanded Chest-on-Stand,  the moulded cornice above two short and three long drawers, the later stand with a convex apron and cabriole legs, on pad

feet, faults, restored, cm. high by cm. wide.; ft. in. by ft. Ain.

A WIIIiam and Mary oyster walnut
cushion frame Wall Mirror,
with later rectangular plate and an ovolo
surround, restored, now lacking the
surmount, cm. high by cm. wide.;
ft. Whin, by lft. Vin.

A George I walnut Chest-on-Chest,  inlaid with featherbanding, the moulded cornice above three short and three long graduated drawers, below are two short and two long

drawers, the sides with crossbanding, on shaped bracket feet, restored and re-veneered, cm. high by cm. wide.; ft.  by ft. in.

A George I walnut Bureau, circa
with later mahogany crossbanding
and satinwood inlay, including an oval
medallion with ivory cherub motifs, the
fall revealing a fitted interior with
pigeon-holes and six small drawers,
below are four long graduated drawers,
on later bracket feet, altered and restored,
cm. high by .cm. wide.; ft.  by
ft.

A Wiffin aad Mary walnut and
seaweed imiipilij Cabmrt-on-Stand,
the moulded cornice above a
cushion frieze drawer, the pair of doors
revealing a cupboard surrounded by an
arrangement of drawers and enclosing
four further drawers, the stand with a
drawer and shaped apron, now on
cabriole legs and pad feet, restored, veneers
fmrhmfh Imdamg, cm. high by cm.
maV. ft..
Provenance: By repute formerly the ptupem of the Rowley Family in Shrewsbury.

CHESTS: MULE, DOWER OR COUNTER CHESTS
About 1630-1800
Late-17thC oak mule chest.
Alidded chest with one or two drawers added below. A transitional piece in the 17thC, marking the change from simple chest to full chest of drawers; a country piece in the 18thC.
Thought by some to have been used by tradesmen; many have a small till or partitioned area in the drawer(s), suitable for coins. Early inventories sometimes refer to the drawers themselves as ’tilles’.
Three, sometimes two, panels, with one long or two (occasionally three) short drawers
below. In 17thC often made in two sections, a projecting mitred moulding  echoing that on base  concealing the join. Can be very simple, resembling plain panelled coffers, or more sophisticated, with applied and/or
inlaid decoration. 18thC versions have fielded, and sometimes shaped, panels. Stile, bun or bracket feet according to date.
Oak, walnut, occasionally mahogany; elm, chestnut and other local woods (though few examples survive).
Framed and panelled; earliest with pegged, but most with glued, mortise-and-tenon joints. Early drawers rebated and nailed; later dovetailed and glued (see CHESTS OF DRAWERS: EARLY PANELLED OAK.
DECORATION AND HANDLES
Carving, inlay, applied mouldings in 17thC. Turned wooden knobs replaced by brass ball handles after 1700.
Stain; wax polish.
RELATIVE VALUES
Earliest and most decorative invariably in four figures; plain 18thC in three. Prices considerably reduced if stand is wrong.
For further details of all points see CHESTS OF DRAWERS: EARLY PANELLED OAK, P. 84 and CHESTS OF DRAWERS, VENEERED.
The term ‘dower’ is self-explanatory, but is also used to describe the 18thC chest of trunk form mounted on a low frame, with a flat or domed top, heavy brass carrying handles, a shaped and/or carved apron or frieze,
and cabriole, bracket or straight feet according to date. Imported Oriental lacquer trunks were often displayed in this way (on English-made stands) in the 18thC and 19thC.
Late 17th learly- 18thC leather bunk mounted on a stand.

CHESTS OR COFFERS
About 1200-1800
Typical 17thC three-panel carved oak chest.
Known as blanket chests in the 18thC, these were used for the storage of clothing and linen and, in the Middle Ages, other valuables too (hence their often elaborate, sometimes multiple locks). Originally placed at the end of the bed they sometimes doubled up as a seat or table. They were largely superseded in the mid-17thC by the more sophisticated chests of drawers. Surviving examples available for sale date mostly from the late-16thC onwards; earlier examples are rare except in churches or public collections.
Medieval forms included the dug-out, ark and clamp-fronted chests but most of those now available are:
Plank or ‘boarded’: Comprising six pieces of timber simply nailed together. Sides extend to the ground with V shape cut out to form feet. Usually carved decoration on front (and sometimes sides); simply carved border on sides of lid and vertical edges of front. Normally exterior plain, with square-plated iron lock with hinged hasp fastening. Although largely replaced around 1550 by panelled chests, boarded chests were still made in country areas in 18thC.
Joined/panelled: Made from about 1550, though panelled construction had been used in building since the previous century. Rectangular, with two, three (occasionally four) panels at front and back, one or two at sides. Lid flat, or panelled in line with base. Plain or moulded edges. Side stiles continue down to form legs. Nearly always carved decoration on front (often sides too), varying in extent; never carving on lid. Rails, stiles and muntins often moulded; sometimes chamfered around panels. Interior sometimes fitted with small, lidded, incorrectly named ‘candle box’, prob
ably to contain sweet-scented herbs.
On both types the underside of the lid was sometimes cross-battened.
Predominantly oak. Less durable woods such as elm, ash, chestnut and other local varieties also used, but few examples have survived. From about 1650 much ‘wainscot oak’ imported from Scandinavia (favoured for its fine, even grain) was used.
Cypress and (in the early-18thC) cedar occasionally used for their moth-repelling qualities.
Boarded: Front and back overlapping sides and pinned with iron nails. Timber split rather than sawn, hence no saw marks. Grain of sides runs top to bottom, other boards side to side. Should be some shrinkage along grain, probably some ‘bowing’ of lid. Rust stains on wood around nails. Lid fixed with large strap or small wire loop hinges (early chests often had pin hinges). The lockplate would also have been fixed with iron nails.
Chest fitted with strap hinges.
Panelled: Joined frame and panel construction; pegged mortise-and-tenon joints. Pegs of green willow (unlikely to split or shrink). Should be of irregular shape and size and protrude slightly above surface where surrounding wood has shrunk. Two rather than one peg per joint the norm in 17thC.
Dry panel construction (i.e. no glue) allows for shrinkage and movement of timber; panels therefore now slightly loose. Panels usually thinly cut, sometimes with chamfered edges to fit into grooves of frame.
Stiles always continue to top, the rails tenoning into their sides and muntins into rails.
The timber was either split or sawn: irregular saw marks therefore may be visible on under-sides.
On both types the interior should be ‘dust-dry’, i.e. with a smooth but not shiny surface. Recently sawn wood will have a slightly rough, splintery surface. There should be good patination from constant handling around the lock and front under-side of the lid. The under-sides of the feet will be worn and slightly ragged. Signs of repair to hinges and lock are not unusual.
Carving: Of many qualities; much simple chip-carving. Common motifs include Gothic tracery, roundels, arches, columns, Renaissance strapwork, guilloches, lunettes, lozenges, stylized foliage and flowers and arcading (the latter particularly on panels).
Some shallow ‘punched decoration’ punched on with a mallet and specially shaped metal tool  especially on boarded chests.
Motifs include stars, crescents, crosses, dots.
Sometimes inlay during 16thC and early
17thC, mostly of floral or geometric patterns.
NONESUCH CHESTS
The best known and most elaborately inlaid of these are Nonesuch (sometimes spelt Nonsuch) chests, believed to have been made by immigrant craftsmen working in Southwark. All depict views of Henry VIII’s Nonesuch Palace in Surrey which was demolished in 1670. Although intriguing and beautifully made, they are small in number, seldom for sale, and not typical of other chests of their day.
Originally stained and wax polished. Subsequent dry-rubbing has generally produced a good patina, i.e. a rich, dark colour, with a deep shine. Occasionally traces of paint are seen (especially on boarded chests). Although it is known that some early oak was painted probably all over in plain colours rather than finely decorated  the extent and exact procedure is yet to be fully researched.
VALUES
Plenty of variation; generally only boarded, simply chip-carved and completely plain panelled chests fail to reach the thousand mark. Plus points are: extensive vigorous carving (chip carving and punched decoration are at the bottom of the scale), no signs of repair or replacement parts, original locks and hinges, good, deep colour and patina.
Beware of large numbers of Continental chests imported for the ‘decorator’s’ market. Look at decoration and for any difference from standard methods of construction.
VICTORIAN ALTERATIONS
Some chests had additional carving executed in the 19thC when ‘Jacobean’ furniture was popular. Others were made up from old fragments of carving and discarded wall panelling. Check the construction; look for later and now discoloured staining intended to disguise new joints, and check all carving for inappropriate ornament, execution by different hands, and ‘mechanical’ appearance.
Below left, pin hinge; below light, wile hinge.

CHESTS OF DRAWERS: EARLY PANELLED OAK
About 1650-1730
Oak chest of about 1680, with applied, mitred and geometrical mouldings.
Distinctive, often ornamental, pieces of furniture made by traditional methods. Still produced by provincial and country makers long after more sophisticated walnut-veneered chests were introduced from the Continent in about 1670.
Various combinations of single and double depth drawers, cupboard doors enclosing drawers, and chest with hinged lid (latter early type). Four-drawer version became the norm in about 1680.
Sometimes two separate sections, join concealed by projecting mitred moulding. Shallower mouldings are found between all drawers (or cupboard).
Two small, or one long, drawer(s) at top above three long, inside seldom reaching right to back of carcase. Separate overhanging top with moulding below (thumb-nail moulding from about 1700). Similar inverted moulding at base. All parts of front (and sometimes side frieze) decorated with mitred mouldings, and often split turnings too, sometimes combined with inlay. Drawer fronts divided decoratively into two panels. Stile feet (i.e. the stiles of the carcase extend below the base moulding) until about 1690 when bun feet appeared.
Framed and panelled with glued (i.e. no longer pegged) joints.
Early drawers with thick sides (about 3/4 inch/2 cm) rebated and nailed. Thick groove in middle of side cut to run on bearers nailed to inside of carcase. Two or three crude through-dovetails (see illustration), their ends concealed on the front by mouldings, introduced about 1680, sometimes nailed for extra strength. By 1690-1700 dovetails lapped (i.e. no longer passed right through to the front) (see illustration). Linings now rebated and glued. Grain of drawers runs front to back.
Single dovetail joint
Front of drawer rebated for sides and bottom, side rebated for runner.
Oak (mostly imported Scandinavian ‘wainscot’ oak). Elm, yew and other local woods used, but few examples survive.
Ebony, ivory, bone and mother-of-pearl for inlaid decoration.
Drawer dovetail joint.
Oak chest of drawers, about 1680.
Alternative drawer supports introduced about 1660 (but not universally adopted) whereby bottom runner fixed to under side of drawer edge ran on bearer fixed at appropriate height. Drawer sides correspondingly thinner, about ‘/2 inch/I cm. Dustboards (i.e. solid shelves between the drawers) often replaced or combined with bearers after 1680.
All moulded and turned decoration glued on. Nailed rough, planked oak backboards. Bun feet dowelled in holes drilled in underside of carcase base (visible inside). Handles attached by split-pin (or tang) method.
Carcase of framed oak chest with panelled ends.
For authenticity, look for signs of genuine wear  especially on drawers and runners and natural movement of the wood with slight warping and shrinkage along the grain.
Underside of feet will be slightly frayed and the drawer fronts will have light indentations from constant knocking of pendant handles.
Applied mitred architectural mouldings on drawer fronts; on the simplest, around the edge only, on many, all over. Split turnings arranged in pairs common on stiles, until about 1680 sometimes combined with inlay of ebony, ivory, bone and moth e r-of- pear, 4. patterns of Spanish/Moorish origin (fashion introduced from Holland).
Handles: Earliest versions have exterior turned wooden knobs, interior iron loop handles. Later, iron (or brass towards 1700) drop handles, pear-shaped with decorative rosettes.
Also, centrally placed decorative escutcheons.
Often stained with oils coloured with various plant substances; then polished with beeswax softened with spirit.
VALUES
In the past, of limited appeal; more recently popular with decorators for ‘bold’ interiors.
Those with inlay and plenty of moulded and split-turned decoration four or five times as much as those with only edge mouldings to drawers. Only the latter still in three figures.
Exterior handles
Pear-drop, Axedrop, Pear-shape drop, about 1700.
Interior handles

17th-18th Century English Oak, Walnut and Mahogany Chests

Early 17th century oak chest with three front panels decorated with stylised geometric carving. The rails are also carved with an arched pattern typical of the period. On this chest the plain solid sides are of walnut whi ch was much more commonly used wood than is generally supposed but of which less survived than oak due to its greater susceptibility to woodworm.
Price Range: $60-$90
Value points: Depth, intricacy and profusion of carving  The addition of human faces, figures.
Dating and initials (if genuine)

Mid-17th century oak chest with panelled front, top and sides. The front panels and rails are carved in fairly shallow decoration of a botanical nature. The escutcheon plate has been added later.
Price Range: $35-$45
Value points: Quality of carving …

Mid-17th century oak chest with fielded panels. diamond shaped inlay of light wood (box or holly).
Price Range: 35-45
Value points: Decoration  Internal herb tray
Mouldings  Original lock
Inlay of flowers etc.

Mid-17th century plain oak chest with three undecorated panels in lid and front. Ornamentation of the frieze by carving is typical of these pieces.
Price Range: $30-$40
Value Points: Decoration  Dating
Coats of Arms
Warning:- These simple chests were often ‘improved’ in the Victorian period by elaborate carving; in an attempt to simulate age, the quality of the carving looks very amateur.

Late 17th century oak chest with single drawer beneath; the evolution of the chest of drawers is commencing. The split baluster decoration and the mouldings are similar to those found on chests of drawers.
Price Range: $45-$65
Value points: Quality of mouldings and decorations

A walnut and marquetry chest of c. 1680 decorated with various coloured marquetries on an ebony ground. The panels are an unusual formation. There is a drawer in the base and the chest rests upon a separate stand. The bun feet are replacements.
Price Range: $450-$550
Value points: Complexity of colour and design of decoration

Early 18th century oak chest, with two drawers under and three fielded front panels. It is on bracket feet and shows the transition from simple lidded chests to chests of drawers.
The ovolo mouldings on the drawers suggest it is not of an earlier date.
Price Range: $25-$35
Value points: Inlay or decoration

Early 18th century chest veneered in walnut of highfigure on an oak carcase. It is decorated with herring-bone inlay. There are, carrying handles at each end; the base is separate.
Price Range: $90-$110
Value points: Figure of walnut Trunk lid

Mid-18th century elm country chest of simple construction from solid planks. Integral base and bracket feet. Common side dovetails show on the front face.
Price Range: 10-15
Value points: Mouldings around lid and base Figure and grain of wood

A walnut chest of c. 1740 date, decorated with inlaid boxwood stringing to give a cross banded effect. The small double lip moulding around the drawers, on the carcase fronts, is a later refinement of ‘double D’ mouldings of an earlierperiod. The top edge moulding is also a Georgian refinement. It is interesting to note the three small top drawers, usually a warning that the piece has been on a stand, but in this case the veneered top could be an indication that this need not be so.
Price Range: $100-$150
Value points: Quality of decoration  Veneered sides

CHESTS  military English
A superb example in which the secretaire folds down to reveal a line of three drawers on top, pigeon-holes with a central drawer below and a lift-up desk for maps and papers. Brass protects the corners and is also used as inlay as well as on the traditional folding handles. The paw feet presumably are easy to screw off  if not this would defeat the whole object of the piece which, of course, comes in half and is provided with carrying handles. c. 1810
The military chest first came into use in the Napoleonic wars. Ideally it has no projections such as handles and is projected by metal fittings at all vulnerable points so that it can be loaded easily  an early appreciation of containerisation. They are found in mahogany, padouk, cedar and camphor woods, i.e. solid strong woods, not pine or veneered as are some of the reproductions now being hugely reproduced as campaign furniture. Clearly the secretaire feature adds considerably to the value.
Another good example unusually well fitted inside. Made in cedar wood and with the usual brass edges and carrying handles. c. 1810
Moving down the ranks, this is more typical of the small secretaire type sometimes found in the form of a writing slope which opens out. Made by Day & Sons of The Strand it is very solidly constructed in cedar () with utilitarian handles and the minimum of brass work.
Early 19th century
A simple military chest in padouk with another style of folding brass handles. Again brass corners and carrying handles but the locks are of the ordinary variety. It now sits on a plinth made later. Perhaps it was brought home and used in retirement.
A collector’s specimen cabinet in maple, with spiral pillars at the sides, and a glass panelled door enclosing the twelve drawers. The carved decoration has a mask and leaf form over the door. Quite a remarkable specialist piece. c. 1860
An Edwardian Wellington chest, made by the celebrated firm of Edwards and Roberts, who have, as usual, used all the decorative motifs associated with Sheraton  satinwood inlaid shells, ribbons, husks, etc., etc.
C. 1900

CHESTS  early oak with moulded fronts
A less decorated example, illustrated with one lower door open to show the three drawers fitted in the lower part. Many of the mouldings and applied split balusters are made of fruit-wood which would originally have been ebonised. The piece is typically Anglo-Dutch and the ivory and pearl inlay, of Flemish-Spanish origin, have been referred to in the introduction to this section. Notice the original iron loop handles on the drawers. c.1660
A typical early oak example in which the lower drawers are enclosed behind doors whose moulding and decoration matches that of the upper drawer. The piece is in two halves which can be lifted separately, the join being hidden by a case moulding, and the lower half is on bun feet. Note the applied decoration and the receding ‘chequer-board’ centre panel in the top drawer.
A small oak chest on bun feet missing some of its brass drop handles. There is a pleasant split bobbin decoration applied horizontally under the top and between each drawer.
The remaining decoration consists of pairs of split balusters applied vertically beside each drawer. The moulding on the drawer fronts is very simple, and the top drawer is simply panelled. Note the thicker top with its simple edge. Later handles. c. 1680
A small oak chest with fruitwood front, 34ins. wide, made in one carcase piece, with the typical deep top drawer which is left over from the two types above, where the lower drawers were cupboarded. Now, in this piece, the lower drawers have emerged in their own right and are suitably moulded. The decoration of the top drawer is interesting, with four ivory ‘buttons’ placed around an oval moulding. Note the ’stump’ feet, which are formed by a continuation of the vertical carcase frame. Handles missing. c. 1670
The simplest later form of these chests with each drawer divided into two panels by the mouldings. There is a simple half-round moulding applied across the carcase front between each drawer, a precursor of the half-round or D moulding of the walnut period. The bracket feet have been added later. Instead of the simple, thin top of the earlier examples, the top has now become thick enough to have a `thumb nail’ edge moulding around it. Replacement handles. 1700-1720
Veneered in very thick elm with fine bold mouldings not only at top and bottom but where the piece would originally have come in half. The veneers are still arranged on the drawers in two halves as they would have been had they been moulded first. Again, colour most important affect on price. c. 1680

CHESTS  mule and dower
Richly decorated with the desirable features of human figures on the stiles and inlaid decoration surrounded by two formal carved arches. The decorative effect is further enhanced by the use of diamond-shaped
alternating black and white inlaid wood. Typical of the flamboyant decoration of the period, only the bun feet and the odd-looking moulding along the side (but not the front) seem later additions. One would expect to see the end stiles continued through to make short feet like the third example on this page. c. 1610
The moulded fronts to the bottom drawers and the use of very fine inlay decorations of ivory and mother-of-pearl suggest a date about the Restoration. It is strictly not a mule chest as the middle now comes out in
the form of a drawer, a feature that may have been added later. The broad half-round moulding on top of quite a deep straight bottom edge suggests that the piece once sat on a stand. c. 1665
The ogee-shaped bracket feet, the fielded panels together with the quarter-round reeded pillars set into the end stiles, all point to a date in the third quarter of the eighteenth century. c. 1770
A plain mule chest with fielded panels and drawers. A simple oak piece that needs good colour and patination to make it desirable, unless, that is, you go through the following procedure. Remove the lid, turn the chest upside down and reverse the drawers. Cut off the legs and attach to the new base (made from floorboards). Replace the lid which now becomes the top, and make side mouldings in place of the strips which held the lid together. Turn the two end panels into doors. Complete by fitting a dresser rack, ideally with a canopy (see Dressers). Place in a provincial auction or better still a marquee sale and put a reserve of 1,500. Ask the auctioneer to catalogue it for you. Hope nobody notices the wear on the top side of the drawer linings on your “fine and unusual small canopy Welsh dresser, early eighteenth century” or best of all can’t get near enough to have a proper look. c.1720
A walnut chest on stand with bracket feet, the chest fitted with carrying handles. The piece features herring-bone inlays, crossbanding and cross-grained mouldings of the period. The price reflects the value of period walnut. 1720-1730
A lacquer chest/trunk on stand with simpler cabriole legs ending in pad feet. Carrying handles are fitted and the top is slightly domed. This shape affects the price, since the domed top does not provide a utilitarian
surface. All lacquer should be regarded with profound suspicion. 1720-1740