George II Period Walnut Bureau

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...

An 18th-century mahogany bureau cabinet of impressive architectural form and lovely rich color. George II period, circa 1740. The top surmounted by a bold architectural pediment and centered by a brass finial. The two arched panel doors reveal three adjustable shelves which have candle slides below them. Furthermore, the bureau section is fitted with a stepped interior. This has two secret compartments, drawers and pigeon holes, and the fall is conventionally supported on two lopers. Lined in the best quality English oak. The blind doors of this Georgian cabinet have well-figured mahogany panels of very good rich color which reflect beautifully in the candle light. The chamfered and arched doors display a further level of sophistication and quality. The beautifully-drawn arched pediment is in perfect proportion with the rest of the cabinet / bookcase. In excellent condition overall. Architectural furniture designs on the continent commenced with the arrival of the Renaissance, and they have their origins in Roman and Greek architecture. Nb. Bureau bookcases display books, china or silver behind glazed doors, but are described more accurately as bureau cabinets when they are fitted with blind doors. We often refer to antique bookcases / cabinets as ''secretary desks'' in the US. Information on pediments: 'Illustrated Dictionary...

A very impressive mahogany bureau cabinet / bookcase / secretary*, with secret compartments. In the manner of Giles Grendey (1693-1780). In mahogany and parcel gilt. Mid-18th century, George II period. This English bureau cabinet displays fine, deep, rich colour and superb surface patination throughout. The top section with a broken-arch pediment and dentil cornice. The frieze well carved with Gothic arcaded blind fretwork. Centred by a later urn-shaped finial. The cabinet with two carved parcel-gilt gesso bordered ogee shaped doors. Old but apparently later mirror plates enclosing a fitted interior with eight drawers and adjustable shelves. The cleated fall, with its original lock, now fitted with a wine red, gilt-tooled writing surface revealing an exceptionally high-quality arrangement of canopied drawers and pigeon holes. The interior is centred by an arched, architectural over door...

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 exceptional English Sheraton period satinwood secretaire cabinet. Attributed to Gillows. Late-18th century, George III, ca 1790. Measures: H 59 1/2’’ (151 cm) W 30’’ (76 cm) D 19’’ (49 cm). This small, beautifully-proportioned, and sophisticated antique writing cabinet...

A fine English George I-period burr (burl) walnut secretaire cabinet. Early-18th century, ca 1720. The top section separates from the base and opens to reveal numerous fitted drawers, behind doors with original bevelled arched mirror plates. The base contains a fall-front fitted secretaire with small drawers, two of which have secret drawers. Engraved mounts are contemporary if not original. All locks and cross-grained mouldings are original. Beautiful colour throughout with superb matched burr veneers within herringbone lines. Bun feet are original. Lined throughout in best quality English oak. The well-patinated green, gilt-tooled liner in the writing surface appears original. Very much in the style of John Old & William Ody. One of the most original early-18th century pieces of English walnut cabinet...

George II style walnut bureau with pull-down fall revealing pigeon holes and small drawers, also pull out bookends with a separate slide below for storage. Below the top it has two small drawers and two long drawers with brass handles stands...

A George I Walnut Bureau, a beautiful and very original example. The fall-front over two short and two long drawers. Internally a central cupboa...

This very fine English late 19th-early 20th century (probably Victoria or Edward VII period) Georgian style chest on stand or highboy is made of the most finest burl walnut featuring...

A George II period golden coloured walnut tallboy having moulded cornice above herring bone inlaid cockbeaded drawers retaining original handles. The long drawers veneered to resembl...

A very beautiful Georgian bureau of superb colour and condition and unusually slender at c. 28 inches wide. The walnut veneers are bookmatched and the bureau has a deep crossbanded ...

Pair of George Nelson for Herman Miller bureau cabinet storage units, polished handles light colored birch with and black feet.