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ID #SA1244918
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£2,500
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Antique Georgian Chippendale Period Mahogany Secretaire Chest-on-chest
For sale by Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
for sale €2,925     $3,175
£2,500
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2024
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Id #SA1244918
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Antique Georgian Chippendale Period Mahogany Secretaire Chest-on-chest

18th century
Description

A substantial Georgian mahogany secretaire chest-on-chest from the Chippendale period, dating to circa 1740–1770.

The upper section is surmounted by a Greek key moulded cornice above a finely executed blind fret-carved frieze. Below are three short drawers over two long drawers, with the lowest drawer of the upper section opening as a secretaire.

The secretaire opens to reveal a well-arranged interior of pigeonholes, small drawers and a central cupboard, the cupboard having a beautifully figured flame Cuban mahogany door flanked by fluted pilasters.

Of particular interest are the ingeniously concealed compartments hidden within the secretaire interior. Compartments of this type were not a standard feature and are less commonly found on surviving examples. In the 18th century, when domestic security was very different from today, hidden compartments provided owners with a discreet place to conceal money, gold, valuables, important papers and other personal possessions. Their careful integration within the interior demonstrates the ingenuity of skilled Georgian cabinetmakers, who could create genuinely secret storage that was not immediately apparent even when the secretaire was opened.

The lower section contains three long graduated drawers and stands on traditional bracket feet. The drawers are oak lined and fitted with brass Georgian handles.

The chest is accompanied by working keys for the main drawers. The secretaire is not currently operated by the supplied keys.

As is traditional with a chest-on-chest, the piece separates into two main sections for transport, with the upper chest lifting from the lower section. It is nevertheless a particularly heavy and substantial example, reflecting the quality of its construction and materials.

More than 250 years old, this remains a highly practical piece of Georgian furniture, combining generous storage with a secretaire interior and unusually ingenious hidden compartments. Its traditional proportions and period detailing make it equally suitable for a period property or a contemporary interior.

Dimensions:

Height: 188 cm (74.02 in)

Width: 113 cm (44.49 in)

Depth: 55 cm (21.65 in)

Date of Manufacture

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Georgian Mahogany Chest-on-chest to the Georgian era.

Physical Dimensions
Height
188cm (74.02")
Width
113cm (44.49")
Depth
55cm (21.65")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1244918
Dealers Notes

Delivery:

Free UK mainland delivery (excluding Scottish islands and other UK islands).

International delivery available — please contact us or request a quote.

Description
A substantial Georgian mahogany secretaire chest-on-chest from the Chippendale period, dating to circa 1740–1770.
“
The upper section is surmounted by a Greek key moulded cornice above a finely executed blind fret-carved frieze.
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Below are three short drawers over two long drawers, with the lowest drawer of the upper section opening as a secretaire.

fig 1. A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet.
fig 1. Antique Georgian Chippendale Period Mahogany Secretaire Chest-on-chest

The secretaire opens to reveal a well-arranged interior of pigeonholes, small drawers and a central cupboard, the cupboard having a beautifully figured flame Cuban mahogany door flanked by fluted pilasters.

fig 2. A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet.
fig 2. Antique Georgian Chippendale Period Mahogany Secretaire Chest-on-chest

Of particular interest are the ingeniously concealed compartments hidden within the secretaire interior. Compartments of this type were not a standard feature and are less commonly found on surviving examples. In the 18th century, when domestic security was very different from today, hidden compartments provided owners with a discreet place to conceal money, gold, valuables, important papers and other personal possessions. Their careful integration within the interior demonstrates the ingenuity of skilled Georgian cabinetmakers, who could create genuinely secret storage that was not immediately apparent even when the secretaire was opened.

fig 3. A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet.
fig 3. Antique Georgian Chippendale Period Mahogany Secretaire Chest-on-chest

The lower section contains three long graduated drawers and stands on traditional bracket feet. The drawers are oak lined and fitted with brass Georgian handles.

The chest is accompanied by working keys for the main drawers. The secretaire is not currently operated by the supplied keys.

fig 4. A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet.
fig 4. Antique Georgian Chippendale Period Mahogany Secretaire Chest-on-chest

As is traditional with a chest-on-chest, the piece separates into two main sections for transport, with the upper chest lifting from the lower section. It is nevertheless a particularly heavy and substantial example, reflecting the quality of its construction and materials.

fig 5. A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet.
fig 5. Antique Georgian Chippendale Period Mahogany Secretaire Chest-on-chest

More than 250 years old, this remains a highly practical piece of Georgian furniture, combining generous storage with a secretaire interior and unusually ingenious hidden compartments. Its traditional proportions and period detailing make it equally suitable for a period property or a contemporary interior.

Dimensions:

Height: 188 cm (74.02 in)

Width: 113 cm (44.49 in)

Depth: 55 cm (21.65 in)

Date of Manufacture

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Georgian Mahogany Chest-on-chest to the Georgian era.

Height
188cm (74.02")
Width
113cm (44.49")
Depth
55cm (21.65")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1244918
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2024
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables Profile Page

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A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet.
1 / 8
Archive I A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet.

Antique Georgian Chippendale Period Mahogany Secretaire Chest-on-chest

Archive II A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet. View II
Archive III A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet. View III
Archive IV A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet. View IV
Archive V A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet. View V
Archive VI A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet. View VI
Archive VII A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet. View VII
Archive VIII A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Telephone 01553 601578
Location
West Norfolk
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/knightfineantiquescollectable
Verified Since Aug 2024
Items For Sale 62
Items Sold 203
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables
Verified Since Aug 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: West Norfolk, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/knightfineantiquescollectable
Verified
Aug 2024
For Sale
62
Sold
203
A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet.
Antique Georgian Chippendale Period Mahogany Secretaire Chest-on-Chest
Ref: SA1244918
A Georgian Chippendale mahogany chest-on-chest with a dentil cornice, carved blind fretwork frieze, brass swan-neck handles, and bracket feet.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
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Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectChests of Drawers & Tallboys
  • Period18th century
  • StyleGeorgian
  • MaterialMahogany, Brass
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsDentil cornice, Blind fretwork frieze, Swan-neck handles, Bracket feet
  • SizeH 188 cm (74 in) x W 113 cm (44 in) x D 55 cm (22 in)

This substantial Georgian Chippendale period chest-on-chest originates from circa 1740–1770 and is constructed from rich warm brown mahogany with solid oak linings. The upper section features a dentil cornice above a frieze with blind fretwork carving, surmounting three short drawers and four graduated long drawers, with the lowest upper drawer functioning as a fitted secretaire. The lower section contains three graduated long drawers, resting on traditional bracket feet and fitted with polished brass swan-neck handles and keyhole escutcheons. The entire timber surface exhibits a deep grain pattern with aged warmth. Measuring 188 cm high, 113 cm wide and 55 cm deep, the two-part carcass separates for practical placement in a home. In contemporary interior settings, this piece functions as a striking bedroom wardrobe alternative or a statement storage unit in a study or hallway, offering substantial compartmentalised drawer storage alongside historic character.

FAQs

Chippendale period furniture from the mid-to-late 18th century is characterized by symmetrical proportions, architectural cornices, intricate blind fretwork carving, and heavy drop handles, executed primarily in high-grade mahogany.

Authentic 18th-century tallboys were constructed using solid and veneered mahogany, oak or pine secondary drawer linings, hand-cut dovetail joints, and cast brass handles.

Authentic pieces feature hand-sawn timber marks, uneven hand-cut dovetail joints, original iron lock mechanisms, hand-planed back panels, and natural oxidisation inside the drawer frames.

Position the tallboy as an architectural anchor piece against a neutral or dark backdrop in a hallway, bedroom, or study, pairing it with clean-lined contemporary art and warm lighting.

Maintain stable humidity levels away from direct heat sources and sunlight, dust regularly using a dry microfibre cloth, and apply a pure beeswax polish along the grain twice per year.
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