Early 18th Century Geometric-Front Chest on Chest

NB. This is an interesting example of a transition from the late 17th century into the early part of the 18th century. Very often this attractive geometric form of tall chest, highboy or tallboy, was split to be sold as two separate chests. It is most unusual to encounter these in their complete form. Old brass ‘pear drop’ mounts correct for period but not original, however the escutcheons probably are. Good faded surfaces, and of useful size.

Note the bobbin-turned mouldings applied to the drawer dividers; a 17th-century feature. The boldly-projecting bolection cornice is further indication of an early period. Waist mouldings and bracket feet are original. Oak drawer linings and retaining the original pine backboards.

References:

Note similarities in a slightly earlier piece from Ickworth Abbey, Suffolk, in Ralph Edwards CBE FSA ‘Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture’, Hamlyn, 1972, p. 200, ill. 7.