for sale €17,550 $19,050

£15,000

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2019

View Dealers Stock Page

About Us

Offering carefully selected antique masterpieces from the 17th & 18th centuries
Trade Associations

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. is a registered member of LAPADA

Relevant Links

Antique Wood Commode

William and Mary Drawers

Carolean Chest of Drawers

Antique English Chest Drawers

Id #SA1128225

PDF

SAVE

17th Century William and Mary Blond Olive Oyster Chest of Drawers, Circa 1690.

Name: 17th Century William and Mary Blond Olive Oyster Chest of Drawers, Circa 1690.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1128225
Price: 15000 GBP
Availability: InStock

16th century

For Sale by Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Description

A Rare Blond Olive Oyster William and Mary Chest of Drawers, Circa 1690, England.

This exceptional chest of drawers is constructed from hand-cut oysters of horizontally sliced olivewood, showcasing the highly sought-after oyster veneering technique that became popular among the upper echelon of society in 17th century England. The meticulous craftsmanship, achieved by cutting small sections of olivewood across the grain, creates mesmerizing circular patterns that enhance the wood’s natural figure.

The top features an elegant geometric symmetrical design, inlaid with scrolling holly, forming a central roundel surrounded by swirling motifs. The chest is arranged with two short drawers over three full-length, graduating drawers, each finely lined in oak, banded in holly, and fitted with finely cast escutcheons and bifurcated drop handles on floral backplates.

The olive-banded oyster-veneered sides are particularly striking, featuring a large central shield-like roundel framed with fine holly stringing. A cross-grain ogee-moulded base adds an elegant contour to the design, supported by solid ash bun feet.

With exceptional proportions, remarkable visual presence, and a rich, well-developed patina, this chest is a superb example of late 17th-century craftsmanship.

Enquire for dimensions.

Declaration

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated these Olive Oyster Chest Drawers to the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1128225

Dealers Notes

Whether you are a collector or a first-time buyer the choice of pieces will inspire. Each has been carefully selected for its exceptional design and provenance, as well as in many instances its academic significance.

Originality and authenticity are paramount; and using our extensive knowledge and experience in furniture conservation and restoration we can ensure that our clients can buy with absolute confidence.

Description

A Rare Blond Olive Oyster William and Mary Chest of Drawers, Circa 1690, England.

This exceptional chest of drawers is constructed from hand-cut oysters of horizontally sliced olivewood, showcasing the highly sought-after oyster veneering technique that became popular among the upper echelon of society in 17th century England.

“

The meticulous craftsmanship, achieved by cutting small sections of olivewood across the grain, creates mesmerizing circular patterns that enhance the wood’s natural figure.

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

fig 1. A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. — fig 1. 17th Century William and Mary Blond Olive Oyster Chest of Drawers, Circa 1690.

The top features an elegant geometric symmetrical design, inlaid with scrolling holly, forming a central roundel surrounded by swirling motifs. The chest is arranged with two short drawers over three full-length, graduating drawers, each finely lined in oak, banded in holly, and fitted with finely cast escutcheons and bifurcated drop handles on floral backplates.

fig 2. A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. — fig 2. 17th Century William and Mary Blond Olive Oyster Chest of Drawers, Circa 1690.

The olive-banded oyster-veneered sides are particularly striking, featuring a large central shield-like roundel framed with fine holly stringing. A cross-grain ogee-moulded base adds an elegant contour to the design, supported by solid ash bun feet.

With exceptional proportions, remarkable visual presence, and a rich, well-developed patina, this chest is a superb example of late 17th-century craftsmanship.

Enquire for dimensions.

Date of Manufacture

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. has dated these Olive Oyster Chest Drawers to the 16th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1128225

About the Dealer

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2019

Offering carefully selected antique masterpieces from the 17th & 18th centuries

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Alexander George Antiques Ltd. Profile Page

Trade Associations

Alexander George Antiques Ltd. is a registered member of LAPADA

PDF

SAVE

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet.

1 / 16

Archive I

17th Century William and Mary Blond Olive Oyster Chest of Drawers, Circa 1690.

Archive II

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View II

Archive III

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View III

Archive IV

Scale Reference for A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet.

Archive V

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View V

Archive VI

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View VI

Archive VII

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View VII

Archive VIII

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View VIII

Archive IX

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View IX

Archive X

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View X

Archive XI

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View XI

Archive XII

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View XII

Archive XIII

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View XIII

Archive XIV

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View XIV

Archive XV

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View XV

Archive XVI

A late 17th-century William and Mary chest of drawers with blond olive oyster veneering, brass teardrop handles, and turned bun feet. View XVI

Originating in late 17th-century England, William and Mary furniture introduced Dutch decorative influences, featuring intricate veneering techniques like oystering, geometric crossbanding, and compressed turned bun feet.

Cabinetmakers created oyster veneers by cross-cutting thin slices from small branches of olive wood, arranging the oval sections in repeating patterns over an oak or pine carcass alongside cast brass drop handles.

Authentic period examples feature hand-cut dovetail joints, oak or pine drawer linings with grain running front-to-back, iron locks, and characteristic patinated brass teardrop handles with matching escutcheons.

Position the piece as a focal point in a hallway or living space, creating contrast by placing its detailed timber grain against contemporary neutral walls and simple modern accessories.

Maintain a stable room humidity to prevent veneer movement or lifting, dust regularly with a soft dry cloth, and apply a clear beeswax polish sparingly along the grain.

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

17th Century William and Mary Blond Olive Oyster Chest of Drawers, Circa 1690.

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

17th Century William and Mary Blond Olive Oyster Chest of Drawers, Circa 1690.

Alexander George Antiques Ltd.

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

What characterises a William and Mary period chest of drawers?

How were olive oyster chests constructed during the late 17th century?

How can authentic 17th-century chest of drawers be identified?

How can a 17th-century chest of drawers be styled in modern interiors?

How should olive wood veneer furniture be maintained and preserved?

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories