Antique George II Walnut Chest on Stand / Tallboy, c1735

A particularly characterful George II period walnut chest on stand, dating to circa 1735, with wonderfully figured walnut drawer fronts, oak secondary timbers and decorative engraved brass furniture.

The tall chest is arranged with two short drawers over three graduated long drawers, set within a moulded carcass. The drawer fronts are particularly attractive, veneered in richly figured walnut with carefully arranged sections of timber creating strong symmetrical figuring across the façade. Fine contrasting banding frames the drawers and gives definition to the warm honey and tobacco tones of the walnut.

The upper chest rests upon a separate stand fitted with a further full-width drawer, creating a useful six-drawer arrangement overall. Beneath is a shaped apron with flowing curves characteristic of early Georgian furniture, raised on four elegant cabriole legs terminating in pad feet.

One of the strongest decorative features is the brasswork. The drawers are fitted with engraved brass escutcheons and complementary pierced and engraved backplates with swinging handles. The close-up photographs show particularly attractive foliate engraving, giving the piece considerable period character.

The construction visible with the drawers removed is equally appealing. The drawers have substantial softwood linings with traditional dovetailed construction, while the carcass incorporates oak and other period secondary timbers. The combination of walnut veneers, substantial traditional construction and the overall design is consistent with an early-to-mid 18th-century date.

At 1421 mm high, this is relatively compact for a tallboy or chest-on-chest and consequently very usable in a modern interior. It provides the visual impact and storage capacity associated with an early Georgian tall chest without the considerable height of many conventional chest-on-chest examples.

The surface has been allowed to retain a considerable amount of historic character. The walnut has mellowed beautifully, with variations in tone, old scratches, marks, small veneer imperfections and evidence of generations of use all contributing to an authentic early Georgian appearance.

A very decorative and useful piece of George II walnut furniture, combining excellent proportions, strongly figured walnut, traditional construction and attractive period-style brasswork.

Condition

Good antique condition with extensive age-related character consistent with a piece approaching three centuries old. Historic scratches, marks, knocks, colour variation and areas of wear are visible throughout, together with minor losses and old repairs to veneers and mouldings. The walnut has developed a particularly attractive mellow colour and patina. Brass furniture shows natural variation and wear. A characterful and highly decorative example ready for continued use.

Dimensions

Height: 1421 mm / 55.9 inches
Width: 1021 mm / 40.2 inches
Depth: 552 mm / 21.7 inches

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