What defines a Georgian chest on chest or tallboy?

A chest on chest, commonly referred to as a tallboy, consists of two separate drawer units stacked vertically to maximize storage space without expanding the footprint. Originating in the eighteenth century, Georgian examples are typically constructed from fine hardwoods such as mahogany and feature balanced proportions, stepped cornices, and graduated drawer arrangements.

What materials were traditionally used to construct a Georgian tallboy?

Primary surfaces were predominantly crafted from solid mahogany or mahogany veneers over oak or pine drawer casings. Drawer linings in authentic period pieces generally feature secondary timbers such as Scots pine or oak, fastened with hand-cut dovetail joints and fitted with brass or turned timber handles.

How can you identify an authentic nineteenth-century mahogany tallboy?

Authentic period examples exhibit hand-sawn secondary timbers, hand-cut dovetail construction, and subtle wood shrinkage consistent with age. Look for original iron locks, hand-carved details such as fluted columns or architectural cornices, and natural patina along the drawer runners and internal surfaces.

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

A tall mahogany chest creates a strong vertical anchor in a modern bedroom, hallway, or dressing room. To balance the warm timber tones, pair the piece with contemporary paint palettes, neutral linen textiles, and clean-lined architectural lighting.

How should antique mahogany furniture be maintained and preserved?

Keep mahogany furniture away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent timber movement, veneer lifting, or finish fading. Regular dusting with a clean, soft cloth and occasional application of natural beeswax polish will protect the finish and maintain the woods lustre.

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Id #SA1233585

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Outstanding Scottish Antique Georgian Mahogany Chest on Chest Tallboy 8 Drawers C1830

Name: Outstanding Scottish Antique Georgian Mahogany Chest on Chest Tallboy 8 Drawers C1830
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1233585
Price: 1975 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Lincoln Restorations

Description

Antique Georgian Mahogany Scotch Chest on Chest Tallboy.

A Grand and Impressive Original Georgian Chest on Chest.

Dating to approximately 1830 during the transitional period between the late Georgian era and the early reign of Queen Victoria, this magnificent chest on chest is a striking example of fine provincial cabinet-making. Distinctly Scottish in its design, the upper section is framed by heavy, ring-turned pillars running the full height of the carcass. These clever columns drop securely into place, neatly sandwiched between the bold, overhanging flame Mahogany cornice and the lower section.

The piece is finished in rich, warm Mahogany across the drawer fronts, contrasted beautifully by deep, active flame Mahogany figuring reserved specifically to highlight the cornice, the dividing mid-frieze, and the lower shaped fretwork apron flowing down into its bracket feet. It is remarkably rare to encounter a Scottish chest on chest of this form featuring both turned full-length pillars and original turned Mahogany drawer knobs, as examples of this type are traditionally fitted with brass handles.

The upper portion comprises an arrangement of two short over three long graduated drawers, sitting above a lower chest housing three further long graduated drawers. Every drawer is constructed with traditional hand-cut dovetails, features exceptionally clean internal timbers for its age, retains its original lever locks (no keys) alongside turned solid brass keyhole escutcheons (which have been lightly burnished), and operates with effortless smoothness following meticulous workshop restoration, including rebuilding and attending to the runners as necessary. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 10 inches in height, the chest divides cleanly into two separate sections to facilitate ease of transport and placement within the home.

Having undergone a sensitive, traditional restoration within our workshop, the chest retains its original French polished surface, which has been gently cleaned, revived, and traditionally waxed to showcase a warm, mellow patina. This is a rare, robust, and visually commanding piece of antique furniture that arrives in absolute home-ready condition, ready to anchor a period interior.

Please note; This item is in fantastic condition for its age as shown by the photographs below. Being an antique item of this age there are obviously marks, scratches and dents, however, we feel that these points are which adds to its charm and character to a piece.

Dimensions

Overall height assembled: 2075mm

Cornice Width: 1150mm

Cornice Depth: 600mm

Height of top chest: 1075mm

Width of top chest (without cornice): 995mm

Depth of top chest: 525mm

Height of base chest: 1015mm

Width of base chest: 1050mm

Depth of base chest: 530mm

Delivery

*Private insured courier normally £120 for this item, enquire for accurate quote*

Physical Dimensions

Height

207cm (81.50")

Width

115cm (45.28")

Depth

60cm (23.62")

Declaration

Lincoln Restorations has dated this Georgian Mahogany Tallboy Chest to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1233585

Dealers Notes

To place an order with us or see the services we offer, please visit our website.

To find an item quickly on our website, use the selling antiques item number (omitting the SA) in the search bar at the top of the page on our website.

- www.lincolnrestorations.co.uk -

Description

Antique Georgian Mahogany Scotch Chest on Chest Tallboy.

A Grand and Impressive Original Georgian Chest on Chest.

Dating to approximately 1830 during the transitional period between the late Georgian era and the early reign of Queen Victoria, this magnificent chest on chest is a striking example of fine provincial cabinet-making.

“

Distinctly Scottish in its design, the upper section is framed by heavy, ring-turned pillars running the full height of the carcass.

Lincoln Restorations

These clever columns drop securely into place, neatly sandwiched between the bold, overhanging flame Mahogany cornice and the lower section.

fig 1. A Georgian Scottish mahogany chest on chest featuring eight drawers with turned wooden knobs, fluted side columns, and an overhanging pediment cornice. — fig 1. Outstanding Scottish Antique Georgian Mahogany Chest on Chest Tallboy 8 Drawers C1830

The piece is finished in rich, warm Mahogany across the drawer fronts, contrasted beautifully by deep, active flame Mahogany figuring reserved specifically to highlight the cornice, the dividing mid-frieze, and the lower shaped fretwork apron flowing down into its bracket feet. It is remarkably rare to encounter a Scottish chest on chest of this form featuring both turned full-length pillars and original turned Mahogany drawer knobs, as examples of this type are traditionally fitted with brass handles.

fig 2. A Georgian Scottish mahogany chest on chest featuring eight drawers with turned wooden knobs, fluted side columns, and an overhanging pediment cornice. — fig 2. Outstanding Scottish Antique Georgian Mahogany Chest on Chest Tallboy 8 Drawers C1830

The upper portion comprises an arrangement of two short over three long graduated drawers, sitting above a lower chest housing three further long graduated drawers. Every drawer is constructed with traditional hand-cut dovetails, features exceptionally clean internal timbers for its age, retains its original lever locks (no keys) alongside turned solid brass keyhole escutcheons (which have been lightly burnished), and operates with effortless smoothness following meticulous workshop restoration, including rebuilding and attending to the runners as necessary. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 10 inches in height, the chest divides cleanly into two separate sections to facilitate ease of transport and placement within the home.

fig 3. A Georgian Scottish mahogany chest on chest featuring eight drawers with turned wooden knobs, fluted side columns, and an overhanging pediment cornice. — fig 3. Outstanding Scottish Antique Georgian Mahogany Chest on Chest Tallboy 8 Drawers C1830

Having undergone a sensitive, traditional restoration within our workshop, the chest retains its original French polished surface, which has been gently cleaned, revived, and traditionally waxed to showcase a warm, mellow patina. This is a rare, robust, and visually commanding piece of antique furniture that arrives in absolute home-ready condition, ready to anchor a period interior.

fig 4. A Georgian Scottish mahogany chest on chest featuring eight drawers with turned wooden knobs, fluted side columns, and an overhanging pediment cornice. — fig 4. Outstanding Scottish Antique Georgian Mahogany Chest on Chest Tallboy 8 Drawers C1830

Please note; This item is in fantastic condition for its age as shown by the photographs below. Being an antique item of this age there are obviously marks, scratches and dents, however, we feel that these points are which adds to its charm and character to a piece.