A 40 Drawer Collectors Cabinet Circa 1840. Property of J.c.dale 1791-1872

Name: A 40 Drawer Collectors Cabinet Circa 1840. Property of J.c.dale 1791-1872
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA381992
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Atropos Antiques

Description

This spectacular forty drawer collectors cabinet in finely figured honduras mahogany was the property of james charles dale easily described as the 'father of british entomology'. This entomologist ranks as the most important in the history of the subject.

His collections reside with the hope department of entomology at the oxford university museum. Dale began his profound interest in the subject in the very early 19th century and collected and recorded throughout his life, naming species and creating a detailed data base that still serves now. (a full account of his life and achievements is available on application).

This beautiful period cabinet is fashioned in solid honduras mahogany and has ebony knobs and dividers. The drawers are all fitted with glazed frame tops and the bases are lined with cork and papered. The paper is original and bears a fascinating 'turin shroud' effect displaying 'ghosts' of the specimens he diligently caught, bred and preserved. It gives the impression of owning the actual collection 'once removed'!

The cabinet is important historically but also gives a modern day collector the opportunity to own and use a superb piece from one of the 'greats' of natural history. I rate dale as, at least, equal to darwin with regard to his knowledge and ability in his field.

All questions are welcome and will be answered accurately and quickly. Viewing is encouraged at our dedicated showrooms in devon.

Dimensions.

Height. 50.5 inches.

Width. 34.25 inches.

Front to back. 18.75 inches.

Drawers.

Width. 16 inches.

Front to back. 15.75 inches.

Overall depth 1 and 7 eighths inches.

Safe delivery is our pleasure.

Physical Dimensions

Height

128cm (50.39")

Width

87cm (34.25")

Depth

40cm (15.75")

Declaration

Atropos Antiques has dated this piece to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA381992

Dealers Internal Reference

GM/DALE

Dealers Notes

georgemorgan90@gmail.com

Description

His collections reside with the hope department of entomology at the oxford university museum.

“

Dale began his profound interest in the subject in the very early 19th century and collected and recorded throughout his life, naming species and creating a detailed data base that still serves now.

Atropos Antiques

(a full account of his life and achievements is available on application).

fig 1. A 40 DRAWER COLLECTORS CABINET CIRCA 1840. PROPERTY OF J.C.DALE 1791-1872 — fig 1. A 40 Drawer Collectors Cabinet Circa 1840. Property of J.c.dale 1791-1872

This beautiful period cabinet is fashioned in solid honduras mahogany and has ebony knobs and dividers. The drawers are all fitted with glazed frame tops and the bases are lined with cork and papered. The paper is original and bears a fascinating 'turin shroud' effect displaying 'ghosts' of the specimens he diligently caught, bred and preserved. It gives the impression of owning the actual collection 'once removed'!

fig 2. A 40 DRAWER COLLECTORS CABINET CIRCA 1840. PROPERTY OF J.C.DALE 1791-1872 — fig 2. A 40 Drawer Collectors Cabinet Circa 1840. Property of J.c.dale 1791-1872

The cabinet is important historically but also gives a modern day collector the opportunity to own and use a superb piece from one of the 'greats' of natural history. I rate dale as, at least, equal to darwin with regard to his knowledge and ability in his field.