What is a serpentine chest of drawers?

A serpentine chest of drawers is a traditional storage piece featuring a undulating front facade with a central convex curve flanked by concave outer sections. Originating in 18th-century Europe, the design was popularised during the Chippendale and Regency eras and reproduced throughout the 20th century.

What materials are traditionally used in serpentine chests?

These chests are predominantly constructed from dense hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, or flame veneer over solid timber framing. Internal drawer linings often utilise oak or pine, joined with hand-cut or machine-cut dovetails and fitted with cast brass drop ring handles and keyhole escutcheons.

How do you identify a 20th-century serpentine chest of drawers?

Twentieth-century examples often exhibit precise dovetail drawer joints, uniform backboard construction, and standardized brass fittings alongside traditional decorative elements. Examining the underside and rear panels helps distinguish mid-to-late 20th-century reproductions from 18th-century originals.

How do you style a dark hardwood serpentine chest in a modern interior?

A dark hardwood serpentine chest acts as a grounding focal point when positioned against neutral walls or contemporary artwork. The curved silhouette softens linear room layouts, making it suitable for hall entryways, master bedrooms, or living spaces.

How should a vintage hardwood chest of drawers be cared for?

Maintain the finish by dusting regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth and applying a high-grade beeswax polish along the grain twice a year. Keep the timber away from direct heat sources and excessive sunlight to prevent drying, warping, or colour fading.

for sale €731 $794

£625

ActFurniture LTD

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2023

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Vintage 20th Century Serpentine Chest of Drawers in Hardwood

Name: Vintage 20th Century Serpentine Chest of Drawers in Hardwood
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1229271
Price: 625 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by ActFurniture LTD

Description

Vintage 20th century Georgian style serpentine chest of drawers in hardwood, a handsome and elegant piece that draws inspiration from the timeless proportions of classic Georgian furniture.

Very well made and of good quality, this attractive chest combines graceful lines with practical storage, making it a wonderful addition to a bedroom, hallway or living space.

The beautifully shaped serpentine front gives the chest a refined and distinctive appearance, while the original handles and fittings have been retained, adding to its authentic character. Raised on a sturdy plinth base, the chest has a solid, well-balanced stance that complements its elegant profile.

The hardwood displays gorgeous natural grain and a rich, warm colour throughout, enhancing the flowing shape of the drawer fronts and giving the piece plenty of visual appeal.

Its pleasing proportions, quality construction and classic Georgian styling make it a particularly desirable example that will complement both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Presented in good condition, this handsome serpentine chest of drawers is both decorative and practical. A fine piece of vintage furniture with timeless character and enduring appeal, it would make a perfect addition to any home.

Product Reference : AF - 6219

Measurements : 77.5cm Width x 46.5cm Depth x 81.5cm 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

81.5cm (32.09")

Width

77.5cm (30.51")

Depth

46.5cm (18.31")

Declaration

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1229271

Dealers Internal Reference

AF-6219

Description

Vintage 20th century Georgian style serpentine chest of drawers in hardwood, a handsome and elegant piece that draws inspiration from the timeless proportions of classic Georgian furniture.

“

Very well made and of good quality, this attractive chest combines graceful lines with practical storage, making it a wonderful addition to a bedroom, hallway or living space.

ActFurniture LTD

fig 1. A 20th-century serpentine-front hardwood chest featuring four stacked drawers with brass drop ring handles and central brass escutcheons. — fig 1. Vintage 20th Century Serpentine Chest of Drawers in Hardwood

The beautifully shaped serpentine front gives the chest a refined and distinctive appearance, while the original handles and fittings have been retained, adding to its authentic character. Raised on a sturdy plinth base, the chest has a solid, well-balanced stance that complements its elegant profile.

fig 2. A 20th-century serpentine-front hardwood chest featuring four stacked drawers with brass drop ring handles and central brass escutcheons. — fig 2. Vintage 20th Century Serpentine Chest of Drawers in Hardwood

The hardwood displays gorgeous natural grain and a rich, warm colour throughout, enhancing the flowing shape of the drawer fronts and giving the piece plenty of visual appeal.

Its pleasing proportions, quality construction and classic Georgian styling make it a particularly desirable example that will complement both traditional and contemporary interiors.

fig 3. A 20th-century serpentine-front hardwood chest featuring four stacked drawers with brass drop ring handles and central brass escutcheons. — fig 3. Vintage 20th Century Serpentine Chest of Drawers in Hardwood

Presented in good condition, this handsome serpentine chest of drawers is both decorative and practical. A fine piece of vintage furniture with timeless character and enduring appeal, it would make a perfect addition to any home.

fig 4. A 20th-century serpentine-front hardwood chest featuring four stacked drawers with brass drop ring handles and central brass escutcheons. — fig 4. Vintage 20th Century Serpentine Chest of Drawers in Hardwood

Product Reference : AF - 6219

Measurements : 77.5cm Width x 46.5cm Depth x 81.5cm 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 20th-century serpentine-front hardwood chest featuring four stacked drawers with brass drop ring handles and central brass escutcheons. — fig 5. Vintage 20th Century Serpentine Chest of Drawers in Hardwood

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 20th-century serpentine-front hardwood chest featuring four stacked drawers with brass drop ring handles and central brass escutcheons. — fig 6. Vintage 20th Century Serpentine Chest of Drawers in Hardwood

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 20th-century serpentine-front hardwood chest featuring four stacked drawers with brass drop ring handles and central brass escutcheons. — fig 7. Vintage 20th Century Serpentine Chest of Drawers in Hardwood

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.