catalog text
GEORGE III MAHOGANY CHEST OF DRAWERS ON FLARED FEET
England, circa 1790
Item # 204AUP29Q
A very fine and most attractive George III period chest of drawers circa 1790, it features a rectangular overall form and excellent balance of proportions that allow it to be neither heavy or delicate in lines. Executed entirely in mahogany and mahogany veneered primary surfaces, the finish throughout is quite old with a well developed patina; the color is quite attractive with a ruby undertone on mellowed cognac surfaces that glow through layers of old shellac and later wax polishings.
The rectangular top is surrounded by an applied molding that projects ever-so-slightly over the conforming chest with its four graduated drawers, each dovetailed in the typical manner with oak secondary woods and precise hand-cut pins surrounded by applied cockbead molding. These are hung with original bail pulls and each drawer retains its brass lock, though there is no key available. The chest rests over a framed base with a delightfully curved apron that swells between each leg and follows a seamless profile through the inner curve and outward splay of the legs. The pine backboards are untouched with tiny iron brads affixing the boards to the frame, the overall pine with a very dark nut-brown patina from years of oxidizing.
An incredibly tasteful design.
Measurements: 32 7/8" H x 18 5/8" D x 33 1/2" W
Condition Report:
Old refinish with a very nice overall patina developed in the surface; old scars, abrasions and scuffs, mostly oxidized and now part of the surface; no key and locks are untested; original bail pulls; top drawer with later added dividers; a few repairs to the cockbead molding around the drawer faces; original feet, all elements original and untouched; sturdy and strong in all joints; drawers operate smoothly.