Mid 19th Century Chest of Drawers with Mirror Top, 1850s

Details

Description

Antique chest of drawers with mirror top

Northern Germany
Mahogany
Mid 19th century

Dimensions: H x W x D: 224 … Read more Antique chest of drawers with mirror top

Northern Germany
Mahogany
Mid 19th century

Dimensions: H x W x D: 224 x 104 x 53 cm

Rare, elaborately designed top chest of drawers as make-up or entrance furniture.

The three-tier base has a multi-curved front and flat centre panels with brass fittings. The top drawer is made of solid mahogany and, when opened, presents itself as a work surface with interior fittings underneath. At a height of around 76 cm, the sliding work surface may have been used as a writing surface or for arranging make-up and care utensils.
On the outside, in extension of the carved round feet, we see mighty fluted half-columns with fantastically crafted and wonderfully preserved capitals in the form of acanthus foliage and a final beaded frieze. The approximately 4.5 cm thick top panel corresponds perfectly with the plinth section and blends in perfectly with the solid yet very fine construction of the piece of furniture.

The top consists of a further drawer at the bottom and a swivelling mirror on top. The cross veneering in the frame of the mirror, the original and beautifully faceted mirror glass and the generally very good choice of wood are worth mentioning here.
The top of the mirror is crowned with volute carvings.

The craftsmanship of this piece of furniture is outstanding. Please take a look not only at details such as the corner joints of the drawers, but also at the workmanship on the back of the furniture - the neat frame construction of the mirror back makes the carpenter's heart beat faster.

Condition:
Refurbished, absolutely authentic condition with deliberately preserved patina and a beautiful and warm wood colour. The refreshed shellac polish brings a subtle, not too high gloss level.
All drawers run cleanly and smoothly, the locks work. Although the hardware does not date from the time the furniture was made, it has certainly been fitted here for many decades and was allowed to remain as "visually well-fitting". See less