Holland & Sons Dressing Table and Chest C. 1850

A beautiful mid 19th century figured mahogany dressing chest on four original concealed oak and brass casters, the front with graduated drawers – two rows of faux over two true working drawers – and the cupboard below retaining original lock and original single removable shelf, all in solid mahogany, the shelf with a polished mahogany shaped front which was a finer detail added to conceal the grain of the cut shelf.

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The substantial top lifts to reveal the inner finished dressing table – for washbowl and combs – and the original framed mirror, in very good condition, reflecting perfectly with only a few small areas of degradation to the silver. The substantial brass hinges are stamped ‘Huxley & Ching’ (a firm whose ironmongery has been found on several high quality pieces by Holland and Sons. Please see Christies Auction 3137, Lot 407 and Woolley and Wallis, 11 March 2008, lot 318).

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The mirror has a hinged mahogany stand at the rear which lifts and slots into a recessed ladder strip, giving several tilt positions. The brass pinch mirror lock again extremely substantial and all the elements are of particularly good quality and remain in perfect working order.

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The inner dressing table provides wonderful and extremely well concealed place to hide important things!

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The doors and two drawers open and close smoothly and properly, the drawers retain their original linings and secure locks, the right hand door is stamped Holland & Son and both doors have fielded panels and well finished backs, the left door has inset thumb locks to top and bottom and the right drawer retains its original secure lock also.

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The mahogany throughout having developed a beautifully rich colour.

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No worm or significant issues. The handles appear original. Small losses and old stains and marks. Small cut out in backboard (probably to allow for cables) now repaired.

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Holland & Sons was a highly respected and renowned London company of cabinet makers and upholsterers akin to Gillows in quality. The firm showed pieces at all of the major international exhibitions throughout the 19th century including the 1851 Great Exhibition and the 1855 Paris Exhibition. Its furniture designs reflect its partnerships with a number of leading artists and architects of the period and Holland & Sons furniture is known for highest quality timbers and fine beautiful cabinet work.

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This is a very lovely fully stamped example. Often, as with Gillows, the furniture it produced was not marked and much can only be attributed to these firms based on design and quality.

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This chest was made in c. 1860 and although heavy it is mobile on its casters and highly functional offering a large amount of storage. It is very practical and usable for any room and the quality shines.

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Dimensions are:

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36 inches wide, 21 inches deep and 38 inches high.

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For metric please multiply by 2.5

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