An Early 18th-Century English Oak Chest on Stand, circa 1700–1720

A handsome and well-proportioned English oak chest on stand of the early 18th century, in the William and Mary manner as it was interpreted by provincial joiners.

The upper case is crowned by a moulded cornice above a bold cushion-moulded frieze. On period examples, this frieze frequently conceals a shallow drawer (as does this example), a discreet refinement favoured in the decades around 1700. Below are two short drawers over three long graduated drawers. The fronts are cut from quarter-sawn oak, so the medullary rays show as a lively flecked figure that catches the light across the whole façade.

The case sits on a stand with a moulded waist, fitted with three drawers above a shaped, arched apron. The stand is carried on six turned legs, united by flat, shaped stretchers and raised on bun feet. This is the classic architecture of the high chest at the turn of the 18th century, when the form was fashionable in walnut and in oak alike. The oak has mellowed to a warm, deep colour, with a lustrous patina built up by long care.

Practical and stately at once, it offers generous storage for a bedroom, dressing room or hall, and gives height and presence to any period interior.

Provenance: England. Early 19th-century. Purchased privately within Norfolk.

Material: Quarter-sawn oak, with brass handles and escutcheons. The drawer linings are pine (deal).

Condition: Good overall order. Surface wear, minor marks and shrinkage commensurate with age. Original brass door furniture, aside from one shaped handle on the top-left small drawer (right handle). The back plate is original. The rest of the brass is original. The locks, too, are original, aside from the keys, which are missing.

Dimensions: Height 67 in (170 cm); width 42⅛ in (107 cm); depth 23⅝ in (60 cm)