Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Antique Hobbs & Co. London Regency Style Exotic Zebra Wood Collector's Cabinet

$3,750
£2,867.07
€3,302.29
CA$5,254.90
A$5,866.60
CHF 3,074.01
MX$71,812.96
NOK 39,039.97
SEK 36,809.73
DKK 24,645.34
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

An extraordinarily rare collector's cabinet by Hobbs & Co., in most distinctive zebrawood, with side-locking mechanism, and interesting provenance! London, England, late 19th century, Regency style, very fine quality craftsmanship, construction, and materials, the whole exceptionally executed of precious African zebra wood, showcasing the distinctive warm rich contrasting colors and dramatic highly figured grain patterns, even the underside and drawer interiors are crafted of the scarce exotic solid hardwood indicating the maker clearly spared no expense! Having a flat rectangular top with molded edge and desirable overhang, over a gently tapering trapezoidal case, fitted with eight graduated drawers, each with a turned pull and dovetail joinery, all secured by a hinged strip side lock panel, the brass lockplate stamped "Hobbs & Co London Lever" twice, affixed with a silver diamond-form escutcheon embellished with intricate incised detailing and retaining the original key, raised on a molded plinth base. - PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION - Property from the distinguished Nelkin Collection We acquired it from the above previous owner in September 2024 through Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas, Fine & Decorative Arts from The Nelkin Collection Showcase Auction catalog #15232, lot #23279; Heritage Auctions was honored to handle The Nelkin Collection, property from the estate of the late Ruth Sylvia Nelkin (1927-2022) of Stamford, Connecticut, and New York City. When Ruth Nelkin wasn't occupied with philanthropic work, she spent whatever spare time she had in the company of antiques dealers, galleries and auctioneers, searching for extraordinary works of art. Those who knew her remember a meticulously dressed, fierce negotiator who knew what she wanted and what was needed to acquire it. The Nelkins' varied possessions had one common denominator: quality. She sought and found items of the highest caliber in every category: a precious Russian object one day, a virtuoso piece of French art glass the next, her buying punctuated with pieces of historical Americana, American paintings, Asian ceramics, Wedgwood pottery and objets de vertu of the highest order. Above all, however, was her passion for ukiyo-e, the Japanese art of woodblock printmaking. The Nelkin legacy is present in each item on offer, the majority of which have not seen the market for well over 30 years. Ruth Nelkin safeguarded these treasures during her lifetime, and now other collectors will have the opportunity to benefit from her connoisseurship and exquisite taste, knowing that every purchase will benefit the American Red Cross, Paws for Purple Hearts, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Greenpeace. - DIMENSIONS - 22.875" Tall, 16.5" Wide, 12.5" Deep (58.1 x 41.9 x 31.8 cm) As warm and handsome as it is functional, having the ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a large tabletop cabinet, exhibition quality specimen cabinet or cabinet of curiosities, free-standing as an end table or bedside nightstand, diminutive Wellington chest of drawers, oversized jewelery casket, strong box coin safe, trinket case, multi-drawer parts organizer, photograph storage, and more Emphasizing purity of detail, structure, and utility, with its clean straight lines, simple form, masculine design, and overall general lack of carvings, elaborate contours or applied ornamentation, the cabinetmaker allowed the carefully hand selected rich contrasting exotic wood veneer to become the focal point and serve as decoration. With its visually striking grain patterns, brillant bold colors and warm lustrous glow, this spectacular cabinet is sure to add a touch of refined elegance, sophistication, rich warmth, functional comfort, and an ultra luxurious presence to any space! - HISTORY - About Hobbs & Co. London / Alfred Charles Hobbs: In the world of antique furniture, there are few pieces as captivating and enduring as the examples crafted by Hobbs & Co of London. These exquisite pieces tell a story of timeless elegance, masterful craftsmanship, and a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the world of interior design. The history of Hobbs & Co London is a tale of tradition, innovation, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Established in the mid-19th century, this British furniture maker quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the most exceptional pieces of their time. Alfred Charles Hobbs (1812 – 1891) was born in Boston in America. He became a salesman for one of America’s foremost lock manufacturers – Jones & Newell in 1840. He travelled to London for the 1851 Great Exhibition and caused a storm when he managed to pick both a Bramah lock and also the famous Chubb detector lock. As a result of his newfound fame, he formed a company in London which was formally registered as Hobbs & Co. Known for its dedication to producing high-quality furniture, using only the finest materials and attention to detail, the company was very successful at combining advanced machine production methods with traditional craftsmanship and the latest design trends, ensuring that each piece was not only functional but also a work of art. Their commitment to excellence made them one of the most respected furniture makers in London, and their work became highly sought after by discerning collectors. The firm went through various incarnations becoming Hobbs, Ashley & Co in 1855 and then Hobbs, Ashley & Fortescue and finally Hobbs, Hart & Co in 1860 based in Cheapside in London. In 1860 Alfred returned to America after the death of his partner Ashley. He had never intended to stay in Britain, so was happy to sell the thriving firm on to John Mathias Hart, whilst maintaining a beneficial interest in it. He returned to England in 1872 to celebrate their 21st anniversary. Alfred Hobbs died in 1891 but the company and legacy he built continued producing exceptional furniture for years to come - CONDITION REPORT - A superb museum quality example, this cabinet is in overall great original antique condition, with nicely aged patina and lustrous sheen. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound, the cabinet presents well, minimal wear commensurate with age & use, including very minor nicks to edges, abrasions, light surface scratches, and some discoloration to drawers' interiors. Drawers slide smoothly. Accompanied by key. Delivered lightly cleaned, waxed, with hand rubbed polished patina, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment!
  • Creator:
    Hobbs & Co. (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 22.875 in (58.11 cm)Width: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)Depth: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)
  • Style:
    Regency (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1890
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Superb museum quality example, great original antique condition, presents well, structurally sound, minimal signs of wear commensurate with age & use. Please see photos & description for detailed report. Delivered cleaned, waxed, ready for use.
  • Seller Location:
    Forney, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5977245443582

More From This Seller

View All
Early 20th Century Italian Baroque Marquetry Inlaid Corner Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
An Italian walnut corner cabinet, molded cornice, over triangular case, upper and lower cupboard doors with contrasting marquetry panels, opening to reveal shelved interior, rising o...
Category

Early 20th Century Baroque Corner Cupboards

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Dutch Colonial Polychrome Teak Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
This Dutch Colonial kitchen cabinet is from the 19th century, and has a corniced top, over two-door cabinet, with iron hardware, shelves to interior, ...
Category

Antique 19th Century Dutch Colonial Cabinets

Materials

Teak, Paint

17th Century Italian Milano Renaissance Period Bone Ivory Ebony Tabletop Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce nearly 400 year old fine quality Italian Lombard ebony rosewood bone and ivory tabletop curiosity cabinet with warm rich beautifully aged patina and interesting provenance. ...
Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Renaissance Cabinets

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Vintage Italian Walnut Marquetry Gentleman's Semainier Tall Chest Of Drawers
Located in Forney, TX
A handsome vintage Italian gentlemen's semainier / seven drawer dresser. Born in Italy in the first half of the 20th century, Baroque Tuscan country / Mediterranean Revival taste, f...
Category

20th Century Italian Baroque Dressers

Materials

Walnut, Wood

19th Century French Louis XVI Napoleon III Mahogany Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning, rare and elegantly decorated Parisian Napoleon III period bedside cabinet with beautiful, original richly aged patina. Finely hand-crafted in Paris, France in the thi...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Cabinets

Materials

Marble, Brass

Vintage French Provincial Louis XV Style Chest of Drawers
Located in Forney, TX
A vintage French Provincial walnut and oak semainier chest of drawers. Handcrafted in France in the Mid-20th Century, high quality solid wood construction, finished in elegantly s...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Bronze

You May Also Like

Vintage Zebra Wood Japanese Cabinet with Sliding Doors and Curving Open Shelves
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Japanese zebra wood cabinet from the mid 20th century, with sliding doors and open shelves. Created in Japan during the midcentury period, this cabinet features a linear si...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Cabinets

Materials

Zebra Wood

Late 19th Century Victorian Tiger Oak Rolling Side Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 19th Century Victorian Tiger Oak Rolling Side Cabinet featuring a top wide drawer, two lower left drawer and a lower right open storage cabinet. Measures 30.5" in width, 18.5 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Victorian Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Very Rare Victorian Tambour Door Cupboard Bookcase on Bank Chest of Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare Victorian tambour door cupboard and bank of drawers I have never seen another cupboard like this, tambour drawers are almost alwa...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Cupboards

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Grasscloth Cabinet or Armoire
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th century French cabinet with a case crafted in pine, having five adjustable shelves inside, and covered in woven reed featuring a cornice and geometric panels, bronze ...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Cabinets

Materials

Grasscloth

Victorian Antique Cabinet Chest Drawers, 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Victorian burr walnut cabinet. This excellent quality cabinet stands upon a plinth base with 2 panelled doors to the lower section. circa 1860 The upper section featuring 10 mahog...
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

19thC English Regency Pine Cabinet
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1820 19thC English Regency pine cabinet Later marble top over two panelled doors with panels painted to resemble faux silk, on turned legs. Provenance: The Estate of Sir Jac...
Category

Antique 19th Century Sideboards

Materials

Pine

19thC English Regency Pine Cabinet
$5,715 Sale Price
20% Off