Queen Anne Walnut & Crossbanded Chest on Associated Stand c.1710
DESCRIPTION
An early 18th-century Queen Anne walnut chest, attractively crossbanded and quarter-veneered, raised on an associated later walnut stand. The upper section is fitted with two short drawers above two long graduated drawers, retaining an attractive arrangement of matched walnut veneers. The stand incorporates a central long drawer flanked by two deep drawers, above a shaped apron and cabriole legs terminating in spade feet.
Although the stand is a later addition, it has acquired age in its own right and provides the chest with a practical working height while complementing the character of the upper section. Several of the drawers retain nineteenth-century newspaper linings, including examples dated 1826, providing an interesting glimpse into the cabinet's long history.
The chest displays particularly attractive colour and figuring to the walnut veneers and would make a practical and decorative piece for a bedroom, sitting room or hallway.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 153cm
Width: 102cm
Depth: 58cm
CONDITION
The chest is structurally sound and presents well overall, with attractive colour and patination. There are light marks, knocks and scratches consistent with its age and use.
As is common with furniture of this age, there are historic veneer repairs together with areas of veneer loss and splitting, particularly around the corners of the drawer fronts to the upper section. The top has been re-veneered in walnut at a later date, probably at around the same time that the associated stand was made or adapted. The escutcheons are later replacements.
There is a small loss to the moulding beneath the shaped apron. Historic woodworm and areas of decay are present to the backboards of the upper section, together with a small amount of old, inactive worm to the sides. The lower drawer runners have sagged slightly with age, meaning the drawers fit tightly but operate satisfactorily.
Several drawers retain remarkably well-preserved nineteenth-century newspaper linings, including examples dated 1826, adding an appealing piece of documented history to the cabinet.
Overall, this is an attractive early walnut chest that has evolved over its lifetime and offers both decorative appeal and practical storage.