Small Charles II Oyster Olive Wood Lace Box

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...

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...

A rare English 17th-century oak refectory table. Charles II period, ca 1675. The three-plank cleated detachable top is of superb color, figuring and patination. Raised on six baluster supports united by stretchers. The frieze is guilloche-carved on all four sides: this demonstrates that this table can be free-standing. Many of these were only carved on three sides. This versatile refectory table can be used as a hall table, dining table, serving table, or a wonderful kitchen table. A number of early oak pieces which we have sold have harmonized very well with modern interiors. A similar-sized refectory table (in generally poor condition) sold for £17,000.00 plus buyer's premium, in Duke's auctioneers ATHELHAMPTON HOUSE sale, Puddletown, Dorset, UK, 9th Oct, 2019. Nb. The turning of the supports on this antique table indicates a development away from an earlier, heavy, carved bulbous leg, to a simpler baluster leg of the later-seventeenth century. However the guilloche-carved frieze is a hint of an earlier period. Some historic restoration commensurate with 350 years of use. Dimensions: 8’5’' L. (256.5 cm) 2’8’' W. (81 cm) 2'7'’ H. (79 cm). Literature: R. W. Symonds 'The Present State of Old English Furniture...

A good pair of English late-17th century walnut chairs. Charles II period, circa 1680. Lovely waxed patinated surfaces and colour. The upri...

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...

An English William & Mary period oyster laburnum and walnut chest ca 1700. William lll (1650-1702). A classic oyster-veneered chest of two short and three long graduated drawers all faced with exquisite oyster veneers banded in fruitwood. The top with well-chosen oyster inlays...

Rare mid-17th century English bone inlaid and brass mounted oak center table box, the top and sides inlaid with compass stars in bone and ebonized fruit-wood, the edges with bone and...

A fine late 17th-century olive oyster 'Lace Box' of small proportions, circa 1680-1690, England. The cross-grain moulded and holly banded top is finely veneered in hand-cut veneers ...

A fine and rare 17th-century William and Mary period olive oyster lace box of perfect proportions. 1680-1700, England The cross-grain moulded top is entirely covered in well-place...

An Extremely Rare Charles II Confit Box Made, Most Probably, in London circa 1670, Maker's Mark of M With a Crown Above This very rare piece is circular in form and plain in design ...

A fine and rare large parquetry inlaid 17th-century William and Mary period olive oyster lace box. 1680-1700, England The cross-grain moulded top is ent...

A fine and rare 17th-century William and Mary olive oyster floral marquetry lace box, circa 1685. England The cross grain olive moulded and holly banded top is centred by an oval of...