William & Mary Period Oyster Laburnum and Walnut Chest

A fine, and rare, very closely-matched pair of late-17th century oyster walnut chests on stands. English, Charles II period, ca 1685. Both with f...

This exceptional 17th-century chest / cabinet has one long working drawer, and one deep drawer, with cupboards retaining internal shelving below. All faced with elaborate, mitred, geometric mouldings, applied split balusters, carved corbels, roundels and engraved mother-of-pearl and bone panels. Some panels apparently in ebony. Dentil cornice to the frieze. Bun feet replaced following the original design. Great colour, old surfaces and overall condition is excellent. It conveniently divides into two sections. Circa 1660. Provenance: Lisgoole Abbey, N. Ireland. Literature: R. W. Symonds, 'The Present State of Old English Furniture', Duckworth, London (1921) fig. 7, dated 1673. Vis a very similar 17th c chest. Percy Macquoid RI, 'A History Of English Furniture - The Age Of Oak', Lawrence & Bullen, London (1904-08) p. 76, figs. 140 & 141, for two similar chests of ''well considered proportions and details’’. Figs. 203 - 210 exhibit further similarities in design, and MacQuoid states that “the fashion for these chests must have been great, as many varieties of them… followed rapidly upon one another in date” [sic] pp. 97-99. Viz p. 77, fig. 141 (Oak chest with drawers). The top opens in a long drawer, below is a very deep drawer, panelled in strong projection, the bevels of which are of so-called zebra or snake-wood. The lower portion of the chest, opening in two doors... [sic]. Nb. The chest illustrated in Macquoid is of oak, but in 1680 it was probably to match some other furniture, painted black and lacquered in what was then termed ''The Indian Taste'', so very fashionable for a time. The bone and pearl inlay is very cleverly imitated in the lacquer-work. Ralph Edwards CBE FSA, 'The Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture', Hamlyn, London (Fourth Impression 1972) “The next stage in the evolution (of the chest) was delayed until c. 1650, when a hybrid form, half cabinet and half chest...

A rare William & Mary period walnut double-dome bureau bookcase / cabinet. Circa 1685. Of compact size and proportions. In excellent overall condition with old, waxed, well-patinated surfaces of very good color. This bureau bookcase, or cabinet, divides into three separate sections (which helps date it to the last quarter of the 17th century). The bold double-dome pediment and cross-grain mouldings are typical of this period, and are repeated in the side returns. The book-matched, hand-cut veneers are well figured throughout, and are contained within herringbone lines. The bookcase section has candle slides, contains shelves and fitted drawers. Gilded finials are later. The centre section with a quarter-veneered fall reveals a fitted interior, concealed well and a secret compartment. The writing section is raised on a three-drawer base with an unusual and boldly-arcaded apron, in turn raised on its apparently original walnut bun feet. The drawer dividers are faced with cross-grain walnut ‘D’ mouldings. The brass engraved mounts are correct for period but not original, however the locks and hinges are. It is unusual to encounter these early bookcases / cabinets constructed in three stages; an indication of a transition taking place from the 17th into the 18th century. This is a fine, rare and sophisticated piece of late-17th century walnut furniture...

An English oak and walnut chest of drawers. Charles II period (1630-1685). The drawer fronts with walnut inserts of super colour. The substantial moulded top has cleated ends. Conta...

Charles II period (1630-1685) oak and walnut chest of drawers, or commode. Retaining old waxed surfaces of very good rich color and patination. With typical geometric drawer fronts and side runners, confirming a late 17th century date of c 1680. Walnut panel inserts to the drawer fronts. Retains its original stile feet and the base with its original bold moulding. Brass key escutcheons...

An English George III-period walnut and mahogany caddy-top bachelor’s chest. Mid-eighteenth century, ca 1760. This is a superb quality bachelor chest with slide, in a rare combination of well-figured walnut and mahogany of deep, rich colour. Containing four graduated cockbeaded working drawers, unusually faced with veneers, rather than in the usual solid. Of fine colour, patina and excellent proportions. Raised on the original bracket feet and retaining its original brass swan-neck handles. In excellent condition throughout. Sophisticated, very useful and smart. A chic antique. W 36” (95 cm) D 19” (48 cm) H 32 3/4’’ (83 cm). Literature: A. Hepplewhite and Co. 'The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer's Guide 1788', plate 75 ''Dressing Drawers...

Rectangular top with central oval inlay with matching inlays at corners. Over two over three graduated drawers all with inlays complementing the top. Sides with central inlaid panels...

We are delighted to offer for sale this absolute work of Art of a nightstand sized Chest of Drawers in pine with Oyster / Laburnum wood finish which dates to the end of the William &...

Four original ball feet. Nice surface. Replaced brasses. Most likely John Head. Philadelphia, PA, circa 1740.

18th century William and Mary walnut chest with two small top drawers and three larger drawers beneath. The chest has burl walnut...

A fine and documented William and Mary period chest of drawers. The top is veneered in well chosen olive oysters laid in geometric patterns incorporating, concentric circles, roundel...

This William and Mary-period chest is distinguished by oyster veneering and circular inlay. Intersecting circles are inlaid into the veneers on the drawer fronts and on top of the ch...