Description
A Virginia walnut fold-over top bachelor’s chest, George II, ca 1750.
Of very good colour and old patination.
This small size antique English (Georgian, mid 18th century) bachelor’s chest is in solid red walnut.
The hinged fold-over top has the unusual feature of being channelled all round – a rarely encountered feature.
Period mounts although not original. Retaining its period, large scale side-carrying handles.
Raised on its original shaped bracket feet. Overall in excellent condition.
W 2’8” (81 cm).
H 29” (73.5 cm).
D 15” (38 cm).
Refs:
Arthur Negus illustrates a similar bachelor chest on p. 151, fig. 75, in his book ‘English Furniture’ (1969). He states: ”these are extremely rare, particularly in walnut.’’
Ralph Edwards CBE FSA in his ‘Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture’ (Hamlyn, Fourth edition 1972) illustrates on p. 205, fig. 24, a bachelor chest, dated 1720-1725, of the same configuration, but veneered in walnut. When in walnut these antique bachelor chests can fetch very high prices, often up to £25,000.
Nb. Commonly the top surfaces have been later set with a leather writing surface.
