How do I identify a Victorian piece?

Look for dense hardwoods, traditional hand-cut dovetails in the drawer construction and characteristic period revival styles such as Gothic or Chippendale. Examine the backboards and secondary timbers, which typically show nineteenth-century saw marks and hand-driven fixings rather than modern machine screws.

Were these cabinets used in shops?

Many surviving examples served a commercial function in pharmacies, optical shops and general retail premises as counter-top display units. These shop fittings often feature specialised labeling, such as gold leaf lettering, designed to advertise goods to nineteenth-century customers.

How should I clean the wood?

Maintain polished hardwood surfaces by dusting with a dry cloth and applying traditional beeswax sparingly to nourish the grain. Avoid modern liquid polishes containing silicone, which can penetrate old finishes and damage the historic patina of nineteenth-century timber.