A Small and Rare William & Mary Oak Chest on Stand c. 1690

The chest with three long graduated drawers retaining original brass drop handles with snape fasteners. Each drawer with geometric and mouldings to fronts of conforming three pattern configuration, carved rails between each drawer and handsome graduated split mouldings. The stand with turned bulbous supports on square box stretcher carved with raised fine oak lip which houses the chest. Stand and chest are peg jointed throughout, appear original to each other and have developed a wonderfully deep and rich colour.

The planked over-sailing top with deeply framed border and attractive soft wear.

First phase construction throughout with original drawer linings with rebated side runners. Small section of carved rail missing to right hand side panel, some later glue blocks and some small depletions to the raised lip of the stand, old and not noticeable, minor dings and bruises consistent with age and careful use.

Fielded side panels in reeded frames. Back and base boards original also. Locks present and are matching, and appear original also. Made by hand in around 1690 by a country craftsman and referencing earlier Charles II design. This would have been an expensive chest of drawers, made bespoke, and in a rarely seen small size, possibly made for a child.