Carse Antiques has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
The drawers are all cock beaded. The chest stands on its original nice shape bracket feet with typical multiple blocks inside. The chest of drawers is a lovely colour with original patination. There are a couple of minor old repairs as you would expect on a chest of this age, mainly to the cock beading and there is a filled crack to one side. The fitted top drawer is mainly original, the sliding mirror definitely is, I think the lift out lids might be later. Originally the top drawer had a slide to the top which covered the interior fittings but this is now missing and to be quite honest looks better without it. The chest is a great size, with beautiful proportions.
Underneath the chest bears the original delivery label for CAPTAIN SKEFFINGTON, SKEFFINGTON HALL, NEAR LEICESTER. Captain Skeffington was a very famous 18th century naval office who commanded many ships during his time with the navy. Lord Nelson also served under him on HMS Carcass in both 1773 and 1801. Skeffington was born in 1737 and died in 1814. In later years Skeffington commanded ships along side Lord Nelson in many of the famous battles of the time.
I think there is a fairly good chance this chest may have been supplied by Thomas Chippendale himself as it bears great resemblance to many of the chests Chippendale is known to have provided for Dumfries House.
The chest is in pretty good condition and ready to go straight into full use again. The drawers have all had fresh runners fitted so they move freely. 2 of the Roccoco handles are not quite the same but are period handles and a couple of locks are period but may not be original.
SIZE; 37" wide by 22 1/2" deep by 31" high
CIRCA; 1760 - 1770
Carse Antiques has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
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Captain Skeffington's Chippendale Gents Chest
