Description
This unusual mid-18th century period small English antique walnut tallboy, or chest on chest, has fronts of well figured walnut of a heavenly rich golden colour and patination.
The engraved brass mounts are apparently original.
Unusually, it is faced with Macassar ebony panels repeated in the simulated dentil cornice and canted angles.
Lip moulded drawer fronts inlaid with chequer boxwood and ebony stringing, with canted fluted angles, both to the top and to the base.
Raised on original bracket feet, it is in superb condition overall.
Macassar wood
NB. Macassar wood, closely related to ebony, is an extremely rare, costly and possibly now extinct SE Asian wood. It is seldom, if ever, found as a partial facing on period English walnut tallboys. This is the only such example we have had in over 60 years of trading. This tallboy (or chest on chest) may well be unique.
We encounter Macassar veneer, however, in the ‘ground’ for fine William and Mary period floral marquetry work.
