William and Mary Olive Wood Chest of Drawers

Country: English

Date: Circa 1690 - 1700

Medium: Olive

Dimensions

Height: 80.00cm (31.5 inches)

Width: 87.00cm (34.25 inches)

Depth: 56.00cm (22.05 inches)

Main description

The rectangular top is laid with a central circular geometric pattern of cut oyster veneers bordered with inlaid holly stringing with a heart shaped pattern to each corner and is cross-banded and has a shaped moulded edge.

Each side of the chest also laid with olive wood oysters with a broad edge banding of holly. The chest has two oak-lined graduated short over two long drawers which are again laid with olivewood oysters and fitted with brass drop handles and cast lock escutcheons. All drawers are cross banded in olivewood and are bordered by a convex olivewood moulding. The bottom of the chest has a moulded end-grain lower apron and stands on bun feet.

View the complete Freshfords Chests collection.

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What is Olive Wood?

Olive wood (Olea europaea) is a dense, hard timber native to the Mediterranean basin, prized for its golden heartwood streaked with dark brown grain patterns. Because olive trees are gnarled and small, large boards are rare and prone to warping. Eighteenth and nineteenth-century English cabinet makers primarily used olive wood as a decorative veneer, cutting it into small panels, oysters, or detailed marquetry inlays.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Olivewood.

What is the William and Mary Period?

The William and Mary period (1689-1702) marks a transitional era in English furniture design, defined by Dutch and French continental influences brought over during the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II. Moving away from the heavy, solid oak construction of the Jacobean era, cabinet makers embraced lighter, taller forms featuring delicate turnings, scrollwork, and rich surface embellishments.

This period pioneered fine veneering in England, introducing signature techniques such as oyster veneering (transverse branch cuts of walnut, laburnum, or olive wood), intricate seaweed marquetry, and rich burr walnut panels framed with feather banding. Legs were commonly turned in trumpet, gate leg, or inverted cup shapes, resting on ball or bun feet and tied together with flat, shaped stretchers.

For further information see our Furniture Periods Encyclopaedia on the William and Mary Period.

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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.