What is a chest on chest or tallboy?

A chest on chest, frequently referred to as a tallboy, is a traditional piece of case furniture constructed in two stacking sections to provide extensive vertical storage without occupying excessive floor space. Popularised during the 18th century, the upper section is typically narrower than the lower section to maintain visual balance and structural stability.

What materials were traditionally used in Georgian chest on chests?

Georgian chest on chests were typically constructed from solid and veneered mahogany or walnut, prized for their rich grain and durability. Secondary timbers used for internal drawer linings and backboards commonly included solid oak or pine, fitted with cast brass handles and escutcheons.

How do you identify an authentic late 18th-century chest on chest?

Authentic 18th-century pieces display hand-cut dovetail joints on the drawer linings, oak or pine secondary woods showing natural age oxidisation, and hand-planed backboards. Additionally, genuine period examples feature authentic brass hardware with period-correct fixing marks, along with minor timber shrinkage consistent with age.

How do you style an antique mahogany tallboy in a contemporary interior?

An antique chest on chest functions well as a focal piece in a bedroom, hallway, or dressing room, grounding the space with its vertical proportions. Pairing dark mahogany timber alongside neutral wall finishes, modern artwork, or clean-lined soft furnishings creates a balanced contrast between historic craftsmanship and modern design.

How should mahogany chest on chests be cared for and preserved?

Preserve mahogany furniture by applying a high-grade beeswax polish twice a year along the grain to protect the patina. Keep the piece away from direct sunlight, radiators, and extreme changes in humidity to prevent timber movement, cracking, or veneer lift.

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George III Tallboy Chest

Georgian Tallboy Furniture

George III Mahogany Tallboy

Id #SA1225157

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George III Mahogany Chest on Chest with Oak-lined Drawers, Late 18th Century

Name: George III Mahogany Chest on Chest with Oak-lined Drawers, Late 18th Century
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1225157
Price: 1275 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Also Antique Furniture

Description

DESCRIPTION

A handsome George III mahogany chest-on-chest dating from the last quarter of the eighteenth century. The upper section is surmounted by a moulded dentil cornice above two short and three long graduated drawers, flanked by reeded canted corners. The lower section is fitted with a further three graduated drawers and stands on carved bracket feet.

The drawers are oak lined, reflecting the quality of its original construction. Well proportioned and offering excellent storage, this is a practical and attractive piece of late Georgian furniture.

DIMENSIONS

Height: 182cm

Width: 104cm

Depth: 52cm

CONDITION

The chest is in good, solid condition and remains structurally sound. There is a key present that appears to be decorative only (does not work the locks). There are minor scratches, stains, knocks and other signs of age and use. There are some shrinkage splits, including to the left and right side panels, the front of the upper right-hand drawer, and the top drawer of the lower section. Some areas of veneer have been repaired during its lifetime, primarily one piece approximately 2cm long to the right hand side of the top section, and the brass handles are replacements. Overall, the chest presents well as an honest eighteenth-century piece with wear commensurate with its age and use.

As with all antique and vintage furniture, this piece has been used and enjoyed over many years and should be expected to show signs of age and use. We aim to describe any significant faults, repairs or alterations as accurately and honestly as possible. The photographs form an important part of the description and should be viewed alongside the written condition report. If you would like further information or additional photographs, we are always happy to help before purchase.

ABOUT ALSO ANTIQUES

Thank you for viewing this item from Also Antique Furniture – Antique Furniture & Decorative Objects.

We are specialise in antique furniture and decorative objects, offering carefully selected pieces chosen for their quality, craftsmanship and character. Every item is individually inspected, researched and professionally photographed, with clear descriptions and honest condition reports to help you buy with confidence. We believe antiques should be enjoyed and used, and we take pride in offering pieces that will continue to give pleasure for generations to come.

VIEWING

Viewing is welcome by appointment at our premises in North Yorkshire. If there is anything you would like to know before purchasing, we are always happy to answer questions or provide additional photographs.

DELIVERY

Collection is welcome within seven days of purchase unless otherwise agreed. We can usually arrange delivery throughout mainland UK using trusted independent couriers. Delivery is charged at cost, and quotations are available on request. As a general guide, delivery for an average-sized chest of drawers is typically between £80 and £100. Larger items and more remote locations will incur higher charges. Most deliveries are completed within approximately two weeks, although faster delivery may sometimes be available.

Please contact us with your postcode for a delivery quotation before purchasing.

AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION

We strive to describe every item as accurately and honestly as possible, highlighting both its strengths and any significant faults. Statements regarding age, attribution, origin and provenance are offered in good faith and represent our professional opinion based on the information available at the time of listing. As all of our items are antique or vintage, minor imperfections, evidence of use and signs of age should be expected and are considered part of their authenticity and appeal.

Declaration

Also Antique Furniture has dated this George III Chest on Chest to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1225157

Description

DESCRIPTION

“

A handsome George III mahogany chest-on-chest dating from the last quarter of the eighteenth century.

Also Antique Furniture

The upper section is surmounted by a moulded dentil cornice above two short and three long graduated drawers, flanked by reeded canted corners. The lower section is fitted with a further three graduated drawers and stands on carved bracket feet.

fig 1. A late 18th-century George III mahogany chest on chest featuring brass swan-neck handles, keyhole escutcheons, dentil moulding, and bracket feet. — fig 1. George III Mahogany Chest on Chest with Oak-lined Drawers, Late 18th Century

The drawers are oak lined, reflecting the quality of its original construction. Well proportioned and offering excellent storage, this is a practical and attractive piece of late Georgian furniture.

DIMENSIONS

fig 2. A late 18th-century George III mahogany chest on chest featuring brass swan-neck handles, keyhole escutcheons, dentil moulding, and bracket feet. — fig 2. George III Mahogany Chest on Chest with Oak-lined Drawers, Late 18th Century

Height: 182cm

Width: 104cm

Depth: 52cm

CONDITION

The chest is in good, solid condition and remains structurally sound. There is a key present that appears to be decorative only (does not work the locks). There are minor scratches, stains, knocks and other signs of age and use. There are some shrinkage splits, including to the left and right side panels, the front of the upper right-hand drawer, and the top drawer of the lower section. Some areas of veneer have been repaired during its lifetime, primarily one piece approximately 2cm long to the right hand side of the top section, and the brass handles are replacements. Overall, the chest presents well as an honest eighteenth-century piece with wear commensurate with its age and use.

fig 3. A late 18th-century George III mahogany chest on chest featuring brass swan-neck handles, keyhole escutcheons, dentil moulding, and bracket feet. — fig 3. George III Mahogany Chest on Chest with Oak-lined Drawers, Late 18th Century

As with all antique and vintage furniture, this piece has been used and enjoyed over many years and should be expected to show signs of age and use. We aim to describe any significant faults, repairs or alterations as accurately and honestly as possible. The photographs form an important part of the description and should be viewed alongside the written condition report. If you would like further information or additional photographs, we are always happy to help before purchase.

fig 4. A late 18th-century George III mahogany chest on chest featuring brass swan-neck handles, keyhole escutcheons, dentil moulding, and bracket feet. — fig 4. George III Mahogany Chest on Chest with Oak-lined Drawers, Late 18th Century

ABOUT ALSO ANTIQUES

Thank you for viewing this item from Also Antique Furniture – Antique Furniture & Decorative Objects.

We are specialise in antique furniture and decorative objects, offering carefully selected pieces chosen for their quality, craftsmanship and character. Every item is individually inspected, researched and professionally photographed, with clear descriptions and honest condition reports to help you buy with confidence. We believe antiques should be enjoyed and used, and we take pride in offering pieces that will continue to give pleasure for generations to come.

fig 5. A late 18th-century George III mahogany chest on chest featuring brass swan-neck handles, keyhole escutcheons, dentil moulding, and bracket feet. — fig 5. George III Mahogany Chest on Chest with Oak-lined Drawers, Late 18th Century

VIEWING

Viewing is welcome by appointment at our premises in North Yorkshire. If there is anything you would like to know before purchasing, we are always happy to answer questions or provide additional photographs.

fig 6. A late 18th-century George III mahogany chest on chest featuring brass swan-neck handles, keyhole escutcheons, dentil moulding, and bracket feet. — fig 6. George III Mahogany Chest on Chest with Oak-lined Drawers, Late 18th Century

DELIVERY

Collection is welcome within seven days of purchase unless otherwise agreed. We can usually arrange delivery throughout mainland UK using trusted independent couriers. Delivery is charged at cost, and quotations are available on request. As a general guide, delivery for an average-sized chest of drawers is typically between £80 and £100. Larger items and more remote locations will incur higher charges. Most deliveries are completed within approximately two weeks, although faster delivery may sometimes be available.

fig 7. A late 18th-century George III mahogany chest on chest featuring brass swan-neck handles, keyhole escutcheons, dentil moulding, and bracket feet. — fig 7. George III Mahogany Chest on Chest with Oak-lined Drawers, Late 18th Century

Please contact us with your postcode for a delivery quotation before purchasing.

AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION

We strive to describe every item as accurately and honestly as possible, highlighting both its strengths and any significant faults. Statements regarding age, attribution, origin and provenance are offered in good faith and represent our professional opinion based on the information available at the time of listing. As all of our items are antique or vintage, minor imperfections, evidence of use and signs of age should be expected and are considered part of their authenticity and appeal.

Date of Manufacture

Also Antique Furniture has dated this George III Chest on Chest to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1225157

About the Dealer

Also Antique Furniture

Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2025

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Also Antique Furniture Profile Page

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