What is a serpentine front chest of drawers?

A serpentine chest features a convex curve flanked by concave curves along its front profile, creating an S-shaped silhouette popularised during the 18th-century Rococo and Georgian periods.

Which materials are traditionally used in serpentine chests?

Craftspeople traditionally constructed these pieces using fine hardwoods such as mahogany or walnut, often detailed with burr veneers, solid timber drawer linings, and cast brass handles.

How can you identify authentic period serpentine furniture?

Authentic examples typically display hand-cut dovetail joints, hand-planed back panels, natural wood shrinkage over time, and original cast brass hardware showing age-appropriate patina.

How do you style a small serpentine chest in a modern interior?

Position the piece as an occasional side table or bedside chest, pairing its warm wood tones with simple ceramics, contemporary lighting, or framed artwork.

How should you care for an antique veneer chest of drawers?

Preserve the timber finish by dusting with a soft microfibre cloth, applying beeswax sparingly once or twice a year, and keeping the item away from direct heat sources and damp environments.

for sale €579 $629

£495

ActFurniture LTD

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2023

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Antique 20th Century Small Serpentine Chest of Drawers

Name: Antique 20th Century Small Serpentine Chest of Drawers
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1230584
Price: 495 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by ActFurniture LTD

Description

Antique 20th century small serpentine chest of drawers in burr oak, a beautifully shaped and highly desirable piece displaying exceptional quality throughout.

Very well made and of fine quality, this attractive chest combines elegant proportions with practical storage, while its desirable compact size makes it particularly versatile for a variety of interiors.

The chest is fitted with four useful drawers to the front, each retaining its original decorative brass handles. The beautifully flowing serpentine front gives the piece a graceful and distinctive appearance, while the shaped bracket feet with decorative stud detailing provide an attractive finishing touch and complement the traditional design.

The burr oak is particularly striking, displaying beautiful natural figuring, gorgeous grain and a rich, warm colour throughout.

The combination of the unusual timber, elegant serpentine form and quality construction gives the chest tremendous visual appeal, making it a particularly attractive and desirable example.

Presented in good condition, this charming burr oak chest of drawers is both decorative and highly practical. Its compact proportions make it ideal for a bedroom, hallway or living space, offering timeless character and elegance while making a perfect addition to any home.

Product Reference : AF - 6266

Measurements : 46cm Width x 37cm Depth x 74cm Height

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

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.

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

74cm (29.13")

Width

46cm (18.11")

Depth

37cm (14.57")

Declaration

ActFurniture LTD has dated this Burr Walnut Serpentine Chest to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1230584

Dealers Internal Reference

AF-6266

Description

Antique 20th century small serpentine chest of drawers in burr oak, a beautifully shaped and highly desirable piece displaying exceptional quality throughout.

Very well made and of fine quality, this attractive chest combines elegant proportions with practical storage, while its desirable compact size makes it particularly versatile for a variety of interiors.

“

The chest is fitted with four useful drawers to the front, each retaining its original decorative brass handles.

ActFurniture LTD

The beautifully flowing serpentine front gives the piece a graceful and distinctive appearance, while the shaped bracket feet with decorative stud detailing provide an attractive finishing touch and complement the traditional design.

fig 1. A small 20th-century serpentine chest of drawers with four drawers featuring burr walnut veneer, brass drop handles, and bracket feet. — fig 1. Antique 20th Century Small Serpentine Chest of Drawers

The burr oak is particularly striking, displaying beautiful natural figuring, gorgeous grain and a rich, warm colour throughout.

The combination of the unusual timber, elegant serpentine form and quality construction gives the chest tremendous visual appeal, making it a particularly attractive and desirable example.

fig 2. A small 20th-century serpentine chest of drawers with four drawers featuring burr walnut veneer, brass drop handles, and bracket feet. — fig 2. Antique 20th Century Small Serpentine Chest of Drawers

Presented in good condition, this charming burr oak chest of drawers is both decorative and highly practical. Its compact proportions make it ideal for a bedroom, hallway or living space, offering timeless character and elegance while making a perfect addition to any home.

fig 3. A small 20th-century serpentine chest of drawers with four drawers featuring burr walnut veneer, brass drop handles, and bracket feet. — fig 3. Antique 20th Century Small Serpentine Chest of Drawers

Product Reference : AF - 6266

Measurements : 46cm Width x 37cm Depth x 74cm Height

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

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.

fig 4. A small 20th-century serpentine chest of drawers with four drawers featuring burr walnut veneer, brass drop handles, and bracket feet. — fig 4. Antique 20th Century Small Serpentine Chest of Drawers

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 5. A small 20th-century serpentine chest of drawers with four drawers featuring burr walnut veneer, brass drop handles, and bracket feet. — fig 5. Antique 20th Century Small Serpentine Chest of Drawers

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 6. A small 20th-century serpentine chest of drawers with four drawers featuring burr walnut veneer, brass drop handles, and bracket feet. — fig 6. Antique 20th Century Small Serpentine Chest of Drawers

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.