A superb English oak chest of drawers dating from the late 17th Century. They are made of solid oak with panelled sides and have four long drawers with attractive moulded fronts. The chest has a planked top and stands on simple bracket feet at the front and block feet at the back.
The drawers run on traditional side runners and they open and close smoothly, having had the runners recently repaired and are generally clean and tidy inside. As was typical with chests of this time, the second drawer down is deeper than the others.
The drawers have brass pull handles which, although not original, have been on the chest of drawers a good time and suit the style and age. Some of the brass escutcheons have also been changed at some point.
This particular chest is a 'cottage' set, being split into two parts joined with wooden pegs. It enables the chest to be manoeuvred into small spaces and tight stairways.
They are an excellent quality set and have been well looked after and maintained over the years. There have been some minor historic repairs and restorations but nothing untoward. The chest is strong and sturdy and has developed a wonderful rich aged patina. It has picked up various small knocks, marks and signs of age and use and some old stains on the top but nothing detrimental. The chest has been cleaned and gently polished and is ready for use.
