Object Description
A Late 18th Century Mahogany Miniature Chest Retaining Good Colour Throughout, With Rectangular Top Over Four Well Figured Long Drawers Having Replacement Brass Handles Raised On Elegant Splayed Bracket Feet With Shaped Apron.
Opinions often differ as to the original purpose for many items of miniature furniture in terms of whether it was was made as an apprentice piece, which is when an unemployed craftsmen would create an item in the workshops at which he was looking to gain employment as a way of showcasing his talents, or alternatively whether it was made as a travelling salesman’s sample piece involving a few items being made as scale models in advance of a road trip during which a salesman travels the country showing prospective clients the kind of items which could be produced back at the workshop, with the intention of taking orders to return home with.
In all honesty this particular antique miniature chest of drawers could fit either of those briefs, although our best guess would be that it was made by an apprentice. It retains a lovely warm colour and is constructed from well figured mahogany.
The handles are later replacements but are still of a style which was widely used in the late 19th century. The drawers still operate smoothly and the elegant splayed feet are original. It comes with working locks and key having been cleaned and polished in the traditional manner at our workshops before being offered for sale.
Circa 1780.
Height 18.75in.
Width 18in.
Depth 10in.