George III Mahogany Chest on Chest
- Item No.
Print Page
This exquisite chest on chest embodies the best of Georgian design
Key Features
Click to See Complete Item Details »
- The exceptional George III chest on chest displays the finest in English craftsmanship
- Crafted of Cuban mahogany, the chest, or tallboy, features stunning wood grain under the aged patina
- Exquisite ormolu pulls and escutcheons add Rococo elegance
- Circa 1800
- 46" wide x 23" deep x 72" high
Item Details
- Width:
46 Inches - Height:
72 Inches - Depth:
23 Inches - Period:
18th Century - Origin:
England/Ireland
Subtle, yet impressive details adorn this rare and important George III chest-on-chest. This classic double chest comprises three full drawers on top and three larger, full drawers on the bottom. The drawers exhibit outstanding craftsmanship in their decoration and construction. On the exterior, beautifully matched wood grain glows under the warmly aged patina, while magnificent ormolu pulls and escutcheons display lush Rococo sophistication. Most notably, instead of the customary one or two drawers on the top row, this unusual piece features three small frieze drawers. Crafted of the finest Cuban mahogany, the chest stands on bracket feet and boasts intricate strapwork on the frieze and corners along with a molded cornice. Similar chests are featured in British Antique Furniture: Price Guide and Reasons for Values. Excellent condition.
Circa 1800
46" wide x 23" deep x 72" high
The chest on chest was introduced early in the 18th century. Also known as the tallboy, it served as the wardrobe of the 18th century. Tallboys eventually gave place to the modern type of wardrobe, which, with its sliding doors, was found to give easier and more convenient access than the exceedingly tall chest. The topmost drawers of the tallboy could only be reached by the use of bed steps, and the disappearance of high beds and the consequent disuse of steps exercised a certain influence in displacing a characteristic piece of furniture that had been popular for at least a century. The early examples are walnut, but by far the largest portion of those that have survived are mahogany, this being the wood most frequently employed in the 18th century for the construction of furniture, especially the more massive pieces.
Circa 1800
46" wide x 23" deep x 72" high
The chest on chest was introduced early in the 18th century. Also known as the tallboy, it served as the wardrobe of the 18th century. Tallboys eventually gave place to the modern type of wardrobe, which, with its sliding doors, was found to give easier and more convenient access than the exceedingly tall chest. The topmost drawers of the tallboy could only be reached by the use of bed steps, and the disappearance of high beds and the consequent disuse of steps exercised a certain influence in displacing a characteristic piece of furniture that had been popular for at least a century. The early examples are walnut, but by far the largest portion of those that have survived are mahogany, this being the wood most frequently employed in the 18th century for the construction of furniture, especially the more massive pieces.
