Antique Mid Victorian Pine Two over Two Chest of Drawers, c.1850

Height: 815 mm
Width: 872 mm
Depth: 380 mm
Reference: 2269
Date: Circa 1850

Description

A charming and particularly useful Mid Victorian pine two-over-two chest of drawers, dating to circa 1850, with wonderfully compact proportions, a warm honey-coloured surface and attractive period metal handles.

Constructed principally from solid pine, the chest follows the classic Victorian arrangement of two short drawers above two long drawers, providing surprisingly generous storage within a relatively small footprint. At only 38 cm deep, this is an especially practical antique chest for bedrooms, guest rooms, cottages and properties where space is limited.

The chest has a simple rectangular top with a gently moulded projecting edge, above a restrained carcass with square uprights. The drawer fronts retain a pleasingly uncomplicated country-furniture character and each retains its traditional keyhole. Particularly decorative are the ornate cast metal swing handles with shaped backplates, which provide an attractive contrast against the pale pine.

The photographs reveal some useful indicators of traditional construction. Most notably, the drawers have hand-cut dovetail joints, with the irregularity and relatively generous proportions expected of 19th-century cabinet construction. The chest also retains a boarded back and shows the characteristic knots, grain variation, old marks and minor imperfections associated with genuine antique pine.

Standing on four attractive turned bun-type feet, the chest has considerably more character than the plainer plinth-based examples commonly encountered. Its relatively narrow width of 87.2 cm and unusually shallow depth make it a particularly versatile piece: it could work equally well as a bedroom chest, bedside storage in a larger room, hall chest or even beneath a wall-mounted mirror as an informal dressing chest.

The pine has acquired a lovely mellow golden colour rather than having the excessively pale appearance sometimes produced by aggressive stripping. Small scratches, knocks, historic marks and variations in colour remain visible and give the piece precisely the relaxed, lived-in appearance sought after in authentic English country furniture.

A very usable circa 1850 Victorian pine chest, combining excellent proportions, attractive period character and substantial everyday storage.

Condition

Good antique condition with wear consistent with approximately 175 years of use. There are old scratches, knocks, marks, colour variations, minor shrinkage and historic wear throughout. The top shows attractive age-related marking and the drawer fronts have variations in tone. These are considered part of the character of the piece rather than detrimental restoration issues. Please refer to the photographs for the fullest representation of condition.