Object Description
A Charming 18th Century Miniature Chest, Constructed Extremely Unusually From Yew Wood Timbers, Having Four Long Drawers Retaining Original Turned Brass Knobs, Raised On Elegant Original Shaped Bracket Feet.
This is a lovely example of 18th century georgian miniature furniture. What seems a relatively plain and ordinary rectangular miniature chest of drawers at first glance is actually particularly charming, made using extremely well figured yew wood timbers and it stands with real elegance and importance for something of relatively small scale.
The brass turned knobs are original and also it stands on its original bracket feet which are very elegant. Almost certainly this was made as a travelling salesmans sample piece of furniture originally.
There is regular debate over whether miniature furniture was made as an apprentice piece, which is when a craftsmen who was looking for a job at a workshop would create something to showcase their talents. Or whether it was made as a travelling salesmans sample piece, which is when a few items were produced as scale models buy a well established workshop as a form of physical catalogue in advance of a travelling salesman’s road trip around the country, for him to use to try and fill his order book with full size counterparts.
It is certain that this is both a useful and attractive piece of antique miniature furniture and remains in good condition, ready to be placed straight into the home. It would work wonderfully on top of a dressing table, or full size chest of drawers, in a bedroom for storage of cuff links, jewellery or similar small but valuable items. It is also just about large enough to be used as a little coffee table, or lamp table, or similar.
As with all items which we offer for sale it has received a natural wax polish in our workshops before being offered for sale to ensure that its in the best possible condition.
Circa 1760.
Height 11in.
Width 12in.
Depth 6.5in.