George II chest of drawersSOLD
Exceptionally rare and beautiful Virginian Black Walnut chest of drawers, circa 1710.
In the late 17th and early 18th century this black or red walnut was being imported in large quantities from North America, for its superb cabinet making quality’s, the taxes on it were very high, so mahogany was quick to succeed it being about one fifth of the price!!
This is a very fine example of the 17th century mortised and tennoned frame construction, the side, back and front are all independent frames, doweled together at the edges, the legs are the down vertical rails protruding below the main frame with the brackets added for decoration.
Handles are George II and appear to be the originals, which in itself is quite remarkable as they have usually been changed through the century's.
Finish is very good and appears to be wax pattined, traditionally these piece were first sealed by treating with hot walnut oil, so my guess is that this was done prior to the wax finish, has a super deep shine.
Drawers are pine lined and appear to be original, one of the locks is clearly a model that can be dated to 1710.
There are very few surviving pieces from this time, and this is a remarkably original example, certainly the best I've ever seen !!
size : 96cm x 55cm x 100cm high.