Webberley Antiques has dated this piece to the Before 1700 period.
Retaining the original riveted iron strap hinges to the doors and with original timbers throughout including the nailed up planked backboards, this beautiful cupboard is in excellent original condition and has a natural rich conker colour and a deep patina from years of use, wax and care.
In medieval times clothes were hung over poles, and the pole and early descriptions state that clothes were hung over a 'press'. This cupboard is an early form of wardrobe for hanging clothes and storage of other items.
Names beginning with I were rare in most of the UK other than Wales and it is likely that this is a welsh press. Whether the press belonged to someone named Idris or Ivor or Ifan is now lost in the mists of time but this cupboard would have been an expensive commission and is beautifully made and fine quality details such as the multiple fielded and framed panels, dated frieze and substantial hand forged and shaped iron strap hinges.
A wonderful and rare survivor, I wonder whether IMKM was and made by hand more than 300 years ago and as good as the day it was made.
Dimensions are:
61.5 inches wide, 17.25 inches deep, 61.5 inches high.
For metric please multiply by 2.5
Webberley Antiques has dated this piece to the Before 1700 period.
Specialists in 18th century and earlier furniture for more than 45 years
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Webberley Antiques Profile Page
Exceptional 17th Century English Oak Clothes Press or Wardrobe Dated 1698
