A rare, mid-18th century, walnut chest of drawers

The quarter-veneered straight-grain top, with a single-band border, crossbanded and faced with a moulded edge curved at the front. The frieze with an oak, brushing slide, with replaced knobs, above four long drawers, two with old patches. The drawer fronts with single-band borders, crossbanded and faced with ovolo mouldings. The 18th century pierced brasses and escutcheons replaced, probably during the century, the locks original. The drawers lined in oak, the back linings replaced, and re-run. The sides oak. Standing on oak bracket feet. The carcass pine. Minor repairs to mouldings and crossbanding throughout. Exceptional colour and patina. English, second quarter of the 18th century. 81201250
The veneers have matured into an exceptional surface where the depth and tone of colour and patina gradually deepen down the front of the chest, and along the sides. The veneers that the cabinet maker has selected for the top have soft ripple markings in the grain which create movement and fluidity. There are some beautiful knots in the drawer fronts and these, together with cracks that have appeared over time, give the surface great texture. The gentle curves on the sides of the front soften the lines and form of the chest. Although it does not retain its original brasses, there are dark tones and softness around the pierced handles which were probably replaced in the late-18th century. This chest is a rare small size, and has much charm