Regency Coromandel and Brass embellished Cabinet

Object Description

Amazing Regency Coromandel and Brass embellished Cabinet, the three quarter galleried open two tier shelf unit on baluster turned brass supports over a plain top and one long and two short frieze drawers, over two cupboard doors, flanked by turned tapering side pilasters, raised on turned feet. The centre drawer to the frieze is fitted with a gilt tooled green leather lined hinged Writing/Reading flap and an arrangement to take ink bottles, quills etc.

Circa 1820

H: 53.25”, 135.5cms W:36.25”, 92 cms D:19.5”, 49.5 cms.

Object History

Note: Coromandel was one of the rarest and most prized exotic veneers only ever found on the very finest pieces due to the very high cost. This was described as being “by far the most beautiful of the fancy woods” at the time when this cabinet was made. Diospyros Celebica / Ebenaceae or Macassar Ebony as it is also known grew on the Celebes Islands between Borneo and Indonesia. It is an exceptionally dense, hard and heavy wood. The quality of the brass gallery, support columns and applique mouldings were only available in London at that time and the combination of Coromandel and Brass in this high Regency Fashion cabinet strongly suggest an attribution to John McLean and Sons of London.

Object Literature

Lit: Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, Christopher Gilbert, Pages 312 to 316 J. McLean & Son.
English Furniture, The Georgian period (1750-1830), Margaret Jourdain, Pages 51, 103 and 150
“Regency Furniture” Margaret Jourdain, Page 35,Fig 56, Page 42
Ackermann’s “Regency Furniture & Interiors” Page 144, Plate 131 and Page 31

Object Condition

Good, marks and wear consistent with age and use. Full condition report available upon request.

Object Details