Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
The drawers are oak lined, constructed with hand dovetail joints and finished with moulded fronts. They also retain their original working locks, with working key, and feature old replacement brass swan neck handles & fretwork escutcheons. Disguised as a third full-width drawer to the top section, is a locking pull-out secretaire section. The ‘drawer front’ fall is secured by brass hooks on either side and opens to form a writing surface, held in place by folding brass stays. The writing surface is also flanked by shaped mahogany brackets. The secretaire section boasts a total of 6 pigeonhole slots, above 6 drawers with scribe moulded fronts and brass knobs, either side of a ‘cubby hole’ with a locking door, which retains the original lock and its own separate key. The ‘cubby hole’ is flanked by two reeded vertical secret drawers. The secret vertical drawers can be opened by reaching inside the corresponding pigeonhole of each side, where a finger can be inserted into a small opening in the lining, to flick open the drawers. The interior of the ‘cubby hole’ itself also includes another secret drawer, to the top, disguised as decorative trim. This drawer is perfect for important documents or valuables, as it is especially convoluted to access; the secretaire section must be pushed back in its place, as if to stow it, and the drawer immediately above must be completely removed. Once this has been done, a peg becomes accessible inside the now empty drawer slot, to the bottom of the lining, towards the rear. Removing the peg unlocks the secret drawer (see photos). The bottom section terminates on a simple moulded apron, terminating on its original moulded bracket feet. The chest retains its original backboards. The item is a two-piece chest; it dismantles into two sections for easy transport and access into the house.
Condition Report:
This Georgian oak Secretaire chest on chest is in excellent overall condition. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges, frame, sides, drawer bottoms, and writing surface, but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The item has been traditionally French polished by hand in our workshop, to a professional standard: the finish, colour and patination is of an excellent standard. The original oak lined drawers are constructed with quality hand dovetail joints, around a moulded drawer frame. The drawer fronts are decorated with old replacement quality brass swan neck handles and fretwork backplates. The drawers close flush to the frame and retain their original working locks (with key). The Secretaire compartment pulls out smoothly and locks; the interior is complete with its secret locking drawers, and is not missing any sections. The chest stands on its original bracket feet and incorporates the original backboards. The chest is well constructed, solid in joint, does not wobble and is ready to be used.
Free UK Delivery*:
We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland. *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland. If you live in one of the areas, please contact us for a delivery quote.
Free 14 Days UK Returns & Refunds:
A free 14-day “no quibble” returns policy is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you.
International Buyers:
Please contact us before purchasing the item, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.
Ref. 50668
Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
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Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA
Antique English Georgian Oak Chest on Chest of Drawers Secretaire Writing Desk (Circa 1780)
