Object Description
An Extremely Good Quality, 19th Century, Late Regency Period, Mahogany Miniature, Or Childs, Chest Having Inverted Breakfront Top Over Exceptionally Well Figured Frieze And Four Long Drawers, Retaining Original Turned Wooden Knobs, Flanked By Outstanding Turned Columns To Each Side, Raised On Elegant Original Turned Feet.
A good example of its type this little mahogany chest is particularly charming, made using extremely well figured mahogany timbers and it stands with real elegance and importance for something of relatively small scale. On the subject of scale, it is right between that of a miniature chest of drawers and a childs size chest of drawers, hence our reluctance to pigeon hole it into a particular category.
The wooden turned knobs are original and also it stands on its original turned feet which are very elegant.
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.
Whereas childrens furniture was generally something made to the same specifications as a larger scale object, but specifically for a child to have and to use in a wealthy household.
It is certain that this is both a useful and attractive piece of antique 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 1830.
Height 21.5in.
Width 21.25in.
Depth 10.5in.