George III Irish Mahogany Kneehole Chest
Stock No: 888/H0AS
£3,950.00
In-stock
Country: Ireland
Date: Circa 1760 - 1770
Medium: Cuban Mahogany, Brass
Dimensions
Height: 81.00cm (31.89 inches)
Width: 120.00cm (47.24 inches)
Depth: 52.00cm (20.47 inches)
Main description
This George III Irish mahogany kneehole chest dates to circa 1765 and combines the storage of a chest of drawers with a concealed kneehole and brushing slide, allowing it to function equally well as a writing, dressing or storage piece.
The rectangular solid mahogany top has been refreshed and retains a figured grain, with thumbnail moulding worked from the solid edge above a full length brushing slide. The slide pulls forward to reveal the unpolished mahogany surface beneath and retains its original gilt brass axe head handles.
Below, a single long drawer sits above two banks of three graduated drawers flanking a concealed pull out kneehole drawer. The drawer linings are constructed in solid oak with very fine dovetails to the mahogany fronts. The figured drawer fronts are finished with cockbeading around the edges and retain their solid heavy brass swan neck handles with ball plate joints.
The chest is further detailed with cross grain mouldings, mahogany panelled sides and a solid oak panelled back. It is raised on the original veneered feet, which are particularly unusual in both their height and design. Each foot has a figured ear to the upper section, an inset corner moulding and three quarter chamfering to the inside of the leg.
The elongated kneehole and slender feet give the chest an unusually light appearance for a piece of this form, while the arrangement of drawers and slide makes it particularly practical. It can be used as a writing desk, chest, dressing cabinet or general office and storage piece.
The gilt brass handles are original and unusual. The top has been refreshed and does not retain an old surface.
View the complete Freshfords Chests collection.
What is a Chest of Drawers?
A chest of drawers is one of the most recognisable forms of storage furniture, consisting of a series of stacked drawers within a single cabinet. Used throughout the Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian periods, chest of drawers became an essential furnishing in 4cabinet making.
For further information, see our Antique Furniture Types encyclopaedia on Storage Chests and Tall Furniture.
What is Mahogany?
Mahogany is one of the most important and widely used hardwoods in the history of antique furniture. Celebrated for its strength, stability and rich colouring, it became the defining cabinet making timber of the Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods, appearing in everything from dining tables and bookcases to chests of drawers and library furniture.
For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Mahogany.
What is the George III Period?
The George III period (1760-1820) is widely regarded as one of the finest periods of English furniture making. Influenced by designers such as Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton, furniture from the period is recognised for its elegant proportions, high quality cabinet making and the widespread use of mahogany, satinwood and other fine timbers.
For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on the Georgian Period.
Why Buy From Freshfords Antiques?
Established in 1987, Freshfords Antiques has spent nearly four decades sourcing and curating the finest examples of English antique furniture. Our reputation is built upon a deep-rooted specialism in the Georgian and Regency periods, where we focus on selecting pieces that retain their genuine age, original patination, and unimpeachable authenticity. We believe that an antique should not only be a significant historical object but also a functional and beautiful addition to a contemporary home.
As proud members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), we operate under a rigorously enforced code of conduct that prioritises professional integrity and expertise. Membership of BADA is only granted after a thorough election procedure and is subject to annual review, ensuring that our clients can purchase with complete confidence. When you acquire a piece from Freshfords, you are benefiting from a wealth of experience, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the finest English cabinet making.
