George III Period Inlaid Mahogany Liquor Box or Cellarette

Details

Description

Originally designed in the late Georgian or early Regency periods in England to store and transport wine and spirits—let's say, … Read more Originally designed in the late Georgian or early Regency periods in England to store and transport wine and spirits—let's say, between your house in London for “the season” or your inviting but drafty country castle for hunting—this barrel top chest with brass handles on the sides is ready to go. When it gets to its destination, you (or your footmen) would place it carefully on this base with square tapered legs with brass cuffs on casters, so easy to pull about. It is embellished with Inlaid trim on the chest top’s corners and the base's front legs. The intricate inlaid conch shell motif on the base is a standout. Awaiting in the interior to comfort oneself and guests are nine lined slots containing nine gilt-glass bottles—six with globular stoppers and three with flat stoppers. Of course, such pleasing contents would need to be secured from secret tipplers (guests or footmen alike), so this chest features an escutcheon or key plate on the front, but sadly no key.
Given the turbulence of the world over the past 275 years or so, the bottles are likely later additions.
Maker’s mark: nonexistent. Bottle measurements: 3”w x 3”d 9.25"h with stoppers; 3”w x 3”d x 8.25”h without stoppers. See less