Bachelor's chest
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1720
Materials
Cross banded and feather banded walnut, oak and deal construction, iron, brass handles
Measurements
71.5 x 84.5 x 70.9 cm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Stourhead, Wiltshire
NT 731656.1
Summary
One of a set of four cross-banded and feather-banded 'bachelor's chests', English, circa 1720 The hinged fold over top with twin retractable lopers which support the top when open above an arrangement of three rows of two short drawers and one long drawer below, raised on bracket feet and with a shaped apron, brass handles.
Full description
These chests of drawers are illustrated in Macquoid & Edwards 'The Dictionary of English Furniture' Vol II Country Life 1924 pg.61, fig. 28. It is extremely rare to find a set of four chest of drawers, especially from this period and equally unusual is the drawer configuration of six short and one long drawer. The term 'bachelor's chest' was not a contemporary term and does not appear in inventories or bills. It is more likely that chests of this type were described as folding dressing tables or perhaps writing chests. The addition to some examples of a pen drawer to the side suggests the latter but it is quite likely their function was adaptable. The Stourhead chests have double bead carcass moldings, as opposed to drawer mouldings, suggesting a date of circa 1720-30, the bracket feet appear to be original and the quality of the walnut veneers is excellent, they are laid on an oak and deal carcass. James Weedon (January 2018)
Provenance
Unknown provenance.
References
Macquoid, Percy, -1925 dictionary of English furniture : 1924-1927., Fig.28