George III Serpentine Mahogany Chest of Drawers

Country: England

Date: Circa 1770 - 1780

Medium: Mahogany, Boxwood, Tulipwood

Dimensions

Height: 84.00cm (33.07 inches)

Width: 94.00cm (37.01 inches)

Depth: 53.50cm (21.06 inches)

Main description

This fine George III serpentine mahogany chest of drawers dates to the late 18th century circa 1770 to 1780 and is in the manner of John Cobb.

The bow fronted top is cross banded with a broad band of Cuban mahogany, framed by tulipwood and boxwood stringing with finely pointed front corners above a shallow cushion moulding. The figured sides sweep gently outwards, terminating in a single reeded upright to each corner, giving the chest its distinctive serpentine form.

The chest is fitted with four graduated drawers, each retaining its original brass handles and lozenge shaped escutcheons. The drawers are lined in mahogany and constructed with crisp, finely cut dovetails, retaining their original brass locks throughout.

Below, the vertically veneered bow front apron is raised on elegant solid turned mahogany cabriole legs to the front, with shaped aprons to the sides that continue the flowing outline of the piece. The combination of carefully selected timbers, refined proportions and original fittings is characteristic of English cabinet making during the late George III period.

View the complete Freshfords Chests collection.

Who was John Cobb?

John Cobb (1710-1778) was a pre-eminent cabinet maker in mid-eighteenth-century London. Originally trained in Norwich, he established his reputation in partnership with William Vile at 72 St Martin’s Lane, where they held the Royal Warrant for King George III and Queen Charlotte.

Following Vile’s retirement in 1764, Cobb continued the firm’s legacy, navigating the shift from the Anglicised Rococo to the refined Neoclassical aesthetic. His work is celebrated for its integration of continental design influences, most notably French-style commodes with sophisticated ormolu mounts and his early adoption of exotic timbers such as satinwood and amboyna.

For further information please see our Makers and Retailers Encyclopaedia on John Cobb.

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 Tulipwood?

Tulipwood is a highly decorative exotic hardwood recognised for its pinkish colouring and fine striped grain. It was widely used during the Georgian and Regency periods for crossbanding, stringing, marquetry and decorative veneers, often providing contrast against mahogany, satinwood and kingwood.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Tulipwood.

What Is Boxwood?

Boxwood is an exceptionally dense hardwood traditionally used for fine stringing, inlay, banding and decorative detailing. Its pale colour and ability to hold crisp detail made it particularly popular with Georgian and Regency cabinet makers, where it was often used to contrast darker timbers such as mahogany and satinwood.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Boxwood.

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.