What is the history and origin of the mahogany chest of drawers?

Chests of drawers evolved from traditional wooden storage coffers during the late seventeenth century. By the eighteenth and early twentieth centuries, mahogany became the preferred timber for cabinetmakers due to its durability, rich reddish-brown grain, and stability.

What materials and construction methods are typical for this style of furniture?

Pieces from this era typically feature solid mahogany or softwood frames faced with flame mahogany veneers. Drawer boxes are traditionally joined with hand-cut dovetails, supported by oak or pine drawer linings, and fitted with cast brass ring or swan-neck handles.

How can you identify authentic mahogany furniture from the early 20th century?

Authentic pieces exhibit signs of hand-finishing, such as slight irregularity in dovetail joint spacing, aged patination around handles, and natural shrinkage lines on drawer bottoms. The hardware will show light oxidisation, and the timber grain displays natural depth.

How can a small mahogany chest of drawers be styled in a modern interior?

A compact chest of drawers works effectively as a bedside cabinet, entryway storage piece, or alcove filler. Pairing dark timber with neutral wall tones, contemporary ceramics, or minimalist metal lighting creates a balanced contrast between traditional and modern elements.

How should mahogany antique furniture be maintained and preserved?

Maintain the surface by dusting regularly with a soft dry cloth and applying a natural beeswax polish twice a year along the wood grain. Keep the item away from direct heat sources and prolonged sunlight to prevent timber movement and veneer lifting.

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Antique 20th Century Small Chest of Drawers in Mahogany

Name: Antique 20th Century Small Chest of Drawers in Mahogany
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1226779
Price: 365 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by ActFurniture LTD

Description

Antique 20th century small chest of drawers in mahogany, a delightful piece with elegant proportions and a beautifully shaped serpentine front. Expertly crafted, this charming chest combines classic design with practical storage, making it an ideal choice for a variety of interiors.

The chest is fitted with four generously sized drawers, each retaining its original decorative handles, adding to its authentic period character.

Raised on sturdy bracket feet, the flowing serpentine outline gives the piece a refined appearance while highlighting the quality of its construction.

The mahogany displays a rich, warm colour with beautiful natural grain throughout, creating a striking and inviting finish.

Its attractive compact size makes it particularly versatile, perfect for use in a bedroom, hallway or living space where storage is needed without taking up too much room.

Presented in good condition, this highly desirable chest of drawers is a wonderful example of traditional craftsmanship. With its elegant shape, original fittings and timeless appeal, it would make a beautiful addition to any home.

Product Reference : AF - 6102

Measurements : 48cm Width x 40cm Depth x 71.5cm Height

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

Every order is professionally cleaned and polished by our team prior to dispatch or collection.

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.

Collection ( FREE ) :

Pieces can be collected from WR6 5JE free of charge strictly by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange this.

All goods will be professionally cleaned and polished by our team prior to your arrival.

Many thanks and if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us and one of our team will respond as quickly as possible.

Physical Dimensions

Height

71.5cm (28.15")

Width

48cm (18.90")

Depth

40cm (15.75")

Declaration

ActFurniture LTD has dated this Mahogany Chest of Drawers to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1226779

Dealers Internal Reference

AF-6102

Description

Antique 20th century small chest of drawers in mahogany, a delightful piece with elegant proportions and a beautifully shaped serpentine front.

“

Expertly crafted, this charming chest combines classic design with practical storage, making it an ideal choice for a variety of interiors.

ActFurniture LTD

fig 1. A small mahogany chest of four drawers featuring flame grain veneer fronts, circular brass ring handles, and bracket feet. — fig 1. Antique 20th Century Small Chest of Drawers in Mahogany

The chest is fitted with four generously sized drawers, each retaining its original decorative handles, adding to its authentic period character.

Raised on sturdy bracket feet, the flowing serpentine outline gives the piece a refined appearance while highlighting the quality of its construction.

fig 2. A small mahogany chest of four drawers featuring flame grain veneer fronts, circular brass ring handles, and bracket feet. — fig 2. Antique 20th Century Small Chest of Drawers in Mahogany

The mahogany displays a rich, warm colour with beautiful natural grain throughout, creating a striking and inviting finish.

Its attractive compact size makes it particularly versatile, perfect for use in a bedroom, hallway or living space where storage is needed without taking up too much room.

fig 3. A small mahogany chest of four drawers featuring flame grain veneer fronts, circular brass ring handles, and bracket feet. — fig 3. Antique 20th Century Small Chest of Drawers in Mahogany

Presented in good condition, this highly desirable chest of drawers is a wonderful example of traditional craftsmanship. With its elegant shape, original fittings and timeless appeal, it would make a beautiful addition to any home.

fig 4. A small mahogany chest of four drawers featuring flame grain veneer fronts, circular brass ring handles, and bracket feet. — fig 4. Antique 20th Century Small Chest of Drawers in Mahogany

Product Reference : AF - 6102

Measurements : 48cm Width x 40cm Depth x 71.5cm Height

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

Every order is professionally cleaned and polished by our team prior to dispatch or collection.

fig 5. A small mahogany chest of four drawers featuring flame grain veneer fronts, circular brass ring handles, and bracket feet. — fig 5. Antique 20th Century Small Chest of Drawers in Mahogany

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

fig 6. A small mahogany chest of four drawers featuring flame grain veneer fronts, circular brass ring handles, and bracket feet. — fig 6. Antique 20th Century Small Chest of Drawers in Mahogany

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

fig 7. A small mahogany chest of four drawers featuring flame grain veneer fronts, circular brass ring handles, and bracket feet. — fig 7. Antique 20th Century Small Chest of Drawers in Mahogany

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.