Late 18th Century Beautiful English Georgian Mahogany Drop Front Secretaire Chest / Butler Chest

Details

Description

An extraordinary and unique example of George III craftsmanship, heavily influenced by the Neoclassical revival of the time. Stunning in … Read more An extraordinary and unique example of George III craftsmanship, heavily influenced by the Neoclassical revival of the time. Stunning in every way, this Secretaire/Butler's Chest has four cock beaded drawers, each in finely figured flame mahogany. Top drawer pulls open to reveal a drop front desk over three graduated standard drawers. Fruitwood stringing outlines the desk drawer with quarter fan corners and details above, as well as outlining the top and bottom of the piece. Incredibly unique urn or vase shaped escutcheons highlight each drawer.

The incredible workmanship of this chest continues into the interior; with further use of flame mahogany for each interior drawer, lined with fruitwood stringing. Four pigeon holes flank each side of a central cabinet above six small drawers. The central door, with original key, features the classical motif of Britannia.

The figure is a woman in robes, Corinthian helmet, shield, and spear with a lounging lion by her side. Britannia is the national personification of Britain, an image first used on coins in Roman Britain in the 2nd century AD. The design of Britannia remained largely unchanged throughout the millennia, until 1797; when the spear was changed to a trident to represent naval victories and the expansion of British rule.

Helpfully, this allows for a comfortable estimation of the age of this chest; 1760-1790s. Georgian furniture is characterized by neoclassical design elements, clean lines with exotic woods and inlays. This piece features all of these elements, in beautiful harmony of form and function.

Dimensions:
46.25" H x 43.5"W x 19.5"D(closed)

37.5" D (open) 32.25" seat height
 See less